Systematic, Theology 

If you read just 2 pages a day of this book of ~ 740 pages (not counting introduction) of 71 chapters, you could read this book in a year and reap a profound understanding of the Christian faith. Berkhof covers every major topic of theology from a mainstream Reformed perspective, comparing those historical positions, various major deviations of Rome, Arminianism, Anabaptists, rationalism, etc. and does so carefully, clearly, and well.

"(First published in 1932) this landmark edition combines Berkhof's standard, systematic treatment of the doctrines of the Reformed faith -- his magnum opus -- with his 'Introduction to Systematic Theology'.

Written in a scholarly yet simple style, and completely outlined and indexed, the work includes a thorough bibliography, and questions for further study follow each section. A new preface by Richard A. Muller explains the relation and importance of Berkhof's prolegomena to the rest of his systematic theology."

"There is much to commend this work besides its being a classic that has stood the test of time. For a one-volume work, it is remarkable in its ability to discuss just about all the major issues (and many of the minor issues) in the various areas of systematics. Moreover, Berkhof does a remarkable job of being able to fit in descriptions of non-Reformed views as well. (His descriptions tend to be fair to these other interpretations, although he does point out their inadequacies.)

Berkhof is able to do this because he does not ramble into irrelevancies. As a result, he is able to cover as much if not more material than Hodge in less than half the space... Berkhof is especially strong in his discussions of the attributes of God and the atoning work of Christ. His section on the extent of the atonement is as good a summary defense of definite (i.e., limited) atonement as I've seen."