The back of the bookcase gives it away that it is not solid wood, but it looks great anyway.  I personally love it and for the price it cant be beat.  My husband put it together and it did take a while but not the 5 hrs as a previous reviewer said.  I guess it depends on what tools you have and how experienced you are with your hands.  The directions give 2 options of where to put the holes for the side rails.  Go with option 2.  It will save you time and aggravation.