Most efficient way of developing a comprehensive understanding of a field Are handbooks on a particular field you are interested in, the fastest and most comprehensive way of learning about that field. For instance, if I were interested in cognitive science would a book like "Oxford Handbook of Cognitive Science" be the best way to go. Also, if there are multiple handbooks from different publishers which one should I pick?
The answer of course is "it depends" on the field, the handbook, your ability, and what exactly you need in terms of learning the field.

In general, I think you are better off getting an easier review article or a textbook.  But a handbook may have a lot of condensed information and be a sort of "encyclopedia" of the field.  But generally, it is written more for practitioners than for newbies.  It is not (usually) written exactly for your problem.  

To evaluate handbooks, ask others opinions, look at Amazon reviews, and skim it in the library.