I want to start composting. I'd be grateful for any advice on the following:

1 Can anyone recommend a good simple book?

2 How important is it to have a mixture of materials: e.g. kitchen
waste, grass, leaves, etc.?

3 I have been wondering about these rotating drums that promise to
produce compost fast
(2 weeks or so) and (more important) without any heavy work involving
my weak back.
Do they do the job well?

Thanks in advance.