While Modelling Systems focuses very tightly on specifications and use of specification languages (VDM-SL in particular) this book takes a broader sweep over the whole Modelling and Design area. My feeling is that this book is a sensible way to get a general overview coupled with some useful insights. You will need to read something else afterwards to deal with the practical detail.

The book is well written and comfortable to read. However it is not a book that requires hard study. Read it once, thoughtfully, and then pass it on. This is the sort of book that makes travel by train attractive (you can read on the train which is something you cannot do when driving a car - how many people add in the value of their time when comparing the cost of driving to work with the cost of travelling otherwise?)