Technique Books... Does Anyone Use Them?

I have the Czerny & Hanon for intermediate grades, but does anyone use any other technique books? If so, did they see results? Also, does anyone think that starting the piano at an earlier age helps in learning facility of the keyboard? I've only been practicing for almost a year (a year in March) and I'm already playing class "A" music, does this mean I'm not far behind everyone who started at an earlier age? Sorry for so many questions, but I seem to need them answered right now.

WOW!!! I never really thought of technique being any other way than hard drills and boring books, but this offers a much more useful and insightful way to better your ability on the piano! I'm difinitely going to have to find this somewhere! I'm sure though, that with every method that there is, some people are opposed to it in some way, but I just hope that my piano teacher accepts his views! Thank you for all of the brilliant advice!

Technique Books are awesome... i have played the piano and flute and they help me understand the music so much more than if i didnt... i would recommend using them for a long time... ^,_,^