Despite a recent post on artichokes........

I need some info on them. Are they worth the work to prepare and cook them?
I understand that they have a rather delicate taste and actually I have had
them in Italian dishes (thought they were basically tasteless).
I have perused the artichoke websites, but I am not sure of my own expertise
on preparing them.
In short: Are they really worth the effort?

The affirmative being the case, I would be looking for some recipes that
feature the artichoke.

Thank you.