From reviews of the 2^nd edition, vol. 2 (2002):

Volume II is pricier than Volume I, but there is more music in it.. The remarkable aspect of this book is its use of original, Medieval and Renaissance music... I am pleased to see that Mr. Fischer has put the ear-training exercises at the beginning of this volume... There are many pedagogical aids, such as an explanation of "shifting syncopations," often confused with hemiola. The explanation of hemiola is excellent... I like the tuning exercises and explanation and practice of modal cadences. I like the attention to Renaissance recorders and modes. I like beginning to play without bar lines in Lesson 26. In fact, I like just about everything about this book...Everyone who plays the soprano recorder, teachers and students, should own both volumes of "The Recorder From Zero". I look forward to the edition for alto.

                                                             Martha Bixler in The American Recorder,  January, 2003

Just as good as Vol 1., November 9, 2003 - Reviewer: "b__2" (Albuquerque, NM USA)
I have both books - my daughter is the student. The wealth of excellent exercises and non-boring duet material made volume 2 a no-brainer for us. As as said in my volume 1 review: these are the best method books I own!

Inspirational Tutelage, October 19, 2003 - Reviewer: Drina Brooke (San Raphael, CA USA)
As in volume 1, Charles Fischer has compiled beautiful music selected not only for inspirational content, but for step-by-step challenges designed for technical growth. This is one of those books which will inspire as the player learns! As important eartraining for players of Early Music, Greek modes (ancient "scales" passed down via the Medieval church) are introduced, and how to construct them intervallically. Ensuing pieces are identified by mode, to further assist eartraining. Unmeasured duets provide the framework for each player to practice rhythmic independence, and to really feel the flow of phrases. Other duets are measured, and all of them artistically deep. Literature varies from haunting Troubadour melodies to Renaissance Christmas carols (selections that are refreshingly new to America, while known in Germany and other parts of Europe; arranged by Charles Fischer for two recorders), to the plaintively beautiful rounds of Henry Purcell, to the snakily percussive Tourdion and Rotta, to many other wonderful pieces! A wide selection of solos and duets gives opportunity a-plenty for solo or ensemble playing. Only a performer of the recorder, such as Charles Fischer, could come up with this unique and gorgeous selection of music ! --Drina Brooke, author, recorder instructor/performer

Recorder From Zero is Great Fun, June 26, 2002 - Reviewer: "jblazar" (Sunnyvale, CA USA)
The author has over ten years experience teaching recorder to students of all ages. I read through all the exercises in this book with another player. The upper line is meant to be played by the student, with the lower line played by the teacher or a more advanced player. The book consists of graded units of increasing difficulty. The exercises use actual Medieval and Renaissance music, as well as English country dances and folk music, with a few original pieces written by Mr. Fischer.  So often, exercises used in method books are repetitive and boring, making them a chore to work through. The music chosen in this book is quite appealing, with a lot of variety. I think this method book would work well for players of all ages, since the music is fun to play, and is carefully chosen to demonstrate a particular point, such as modes, rhythms, syncopation, combination tones, etc.  Mr. Fischer is to be commended for producing a refreshing method book, with an easily readable format and a well-chosen variety of music that demonstrates valuable lessons for the student.

Alto Recorder From Zero is a systematic approach for beginners and intermediates on the alto recorder which treats the instrument in its proper historical context.  This edition contains 120 pieces of carefully graded original, folk, renaissance, and medieval music as well as an introduction to renaissance tonguing and a brief introduction to modal theory. Although AFZ is intended to be used with a teacher, who guides the student and plays the bottom part of the duets, the mature student who has had some previous musical training can also use this method for self-study.

NOTE: Lessons 1-10 for Alto Recorder are now available online.  You can print them out for free and try them with your student/s  (if you are a teacher) or with your teacher (if you are a student) or with your partner if you are an experienced player already - it’s all great music. The remaining 20 lessons are now ready for online ordering as Part II for lower intermediates (Lessons 11-22) and Part III for intermediates (Lessons 23-30). 

Alto Recorder From Zero is Truly Impressive,  March 17, 2005 - Personal communication from Jim Carpenter I should take a moment to tell you what a pleasure it is to work with the lessons. I'm on lesson 6 or 7 downloaded from the Internet, and I am truly impressed at how musical the selections are. As I work my way thru each one I can sense immediately what the pieces ought to sound like, and the very measured pace at which new notes are added is wonderful. When I start a new piece I find I can play 90 percent immediately--it's only the other 10 percent that needs to be worked on.  By the time I've satisfactorily "mastered" the new piece I can move to the next one, finding that I can play 90 percent of it....etc.  I'm working without a teacher, but with other beginning recorder methods to help me with fingerings, etc...Any reasonably self-motivated learner can make wonderful use of the lessons. Thank you for this excellent course.