For LF, specially for 8x10, it's interesting controlling well your process.
I'd suggest you next books: Darkroom Cookbook , Beyond the Zone System, very cheap used.
I'd also suggest you practice with roll film, you will learn easier (and cheaper) to meter from bracketings. All this would help you to progress faster both in analog process and in LF.
IMHO mastering all that it's about learning some theory and practicing. The theory vs practice balance is a personal choice, but sure that learning well the basic theory helps the practical learning.
Bookmarks