Preaching, man and method: An intensive study of the preparation and delivery of sermons

Preaching: Man & Method is the best introductory homiletics textbook on the market. The book was designed for classroom use. That might be a disadvantage to one working through it on his own, but it is not a major drawback. For a young man starting out, or for a more experienced preacher wanting a refresher course on the basics, I highly recommend it.