I'd recommend it, but I wouldn't recommend reading it cover to cover. It really depends on what you need. Here is what I read selected chapters for: - For expa

I'd recommend it, but I wouldn't recommend reading it cover to cover. It really depends on what you need. Here is what I read selected chapters for: - For expanding my conceptual understanding of algorithms. I still remember the thrill of learning how the Joseph's problem can be modeled as base-n modulo arithmetics. Or how powerful it is to use generating functions to compute algorithm complexities. And I read the vol 4 for a pleasant study of how we can code back-tracking in an almost mechanical way. - For historical context. Knuth is amazing at tracing the roots of algorithms, and show how the solutions to a problem evolve over time. You'll get high when seeing how a seemingly impossible problem gets solved in such elegance and ingenuity over generations of attempts by great minds. Check Vol 4 for all the wonders of combinatoric algorithms, for example. - For thorough study and pure awe. For instance, one probably learns a bit about ordered binary decision diagram (OBDD) to reduce state space by thousands of times in a formal verification system. But what if you want to see all the amazing details of OBDD and therefore getting hours of dopamine high? Vol 4 is the go-to place. - For reference. At least for a student. I got stuck implementing a fibonacci heap for my project on memory management in my OS class. And Knuth's books came to rescue. I guess professionals would still refer to Knuth for their implementation from time to time.