It is also affectionately known as 'the Camel Book. There's enough material here to make the most detail-oriented programmer go into apoplexy.
Every language needs a basic reference book.
If you are planning to become a serious Perl programmer, you need to buy this book. You'll Ever Need. This is by far the finest book I've seen on PERL programming, for the beginner and advanced programmer alike. Loaded with references, helpful hints, and code tid-bits, entertaining yet informative, and never too verbose, this is certainly well worth the price. It is clearly written and very craftily draws the reader into wanting to learn more.