The earlier chapters are quite good; however, some of the advanced topics in this book are better approached (appreciated) after one has learned about them elsewhere, at a more leisurely pace. For instance, this isn't the best place to first read about characteristic classes and topological K theory (I would recommend, without much hesitation, the books by Atiyah and Milnor & Stasheff, instead). Much to my disappointment, the chapter on spectral sequences is quite convoluted. Parts of 'user's guide' by Mcleary would certainly come in handy here (which sets the stage rather nicely for applications).

So it turns out that supplemental reading (exluding Whitehead's massive treatise) is necessary to achieve a better understanding of algebraic topology at the level of this book. The homotopical view therein will be matched (possibly superseded) by Aguilar's book (forthcoming, to which I am very much looking forward).

Good luck!

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