On a friend's recommendation I bought this book for a dear friend and though its not for woman, I read parts of it anyway. It gives insight and inspiration that I would want any man that I date to have read.

Life as it was meant to be. Rich and full of relationship. Takes on the traditional male position in a relationship and challenges men to move into deeper and richer relationships with themselves, their spouses, and their families. If you are a man you should read this book. If you are a wife or dating a man, you should pick this book up for your boyfriend, husband, father, friend, uncle, whatever..... It's like AMEX "don't leave home without it."

The Columbian Exchange, written by Alfred Crosby, is an in depth look at the biological and cultural consequences of Columbus's discovery of the New World. The Columbian Exchange focuses on the negative aspects of European exploration and exploitation of the Americas. Alfred Crosby focuses on the dependence on different foods, the changes in lifestyles, and the effects that the European flora and fauna had on the new world, and how it changed the Americas forever. His main point in this book was that the most important changes wrought by the European expansion into the new world were biological in nature, not social, political, or cultural.

To clearly understand Crosby's point of view, we must understand him and his writing style. His background in history and health give some credence to his opinions and research. The book states that Crosby is a Research Associate at the University of California Medical Center, History of Health Sciences. He mostly uses empirical evidence and statistics to base his claims, but sometimes resorts to his own opinions and guesswork. He also uses tables and maps to help the reader picture history the way that he sees it. He relies heavily on other contemporary sources such as Del Castillo and Agiler to base many of his claims, but cites the exact references to these outside sources.

Though Crosby does a good job of making this book interesting and available to people who are not historians or biologists, he could have done some things differently to make the book more approachable to the average person. He has a tendency to deviate from the subject matter, and does not always provide enough evidence for his claims.

In some cases, these tangents allow us to better understand the point he is trying to make, but mostly it makes trudging through the endless examples and repetitiveness a chore. For instance, his many examples of how the European animals spread throughout the New World seemed very dry and repetitive. Crosby just kept expounding upon certain pieces of evidence, even after he had made his point. I think that in the hands of another author, this book could have been ninety pages with little loss of content.

He also seemed to be stretching for evidence and was using a lot of guesswork in chapter five when he was trying to relate the new food types with the sudden growth in population. Sure, it sounds good in theory, but he needs more clear-cut evidence to support his claims to convince the reader of the truth of his statements.

In chapter four, Crosby claims that syphilis in Europe came from the new world, without the proof to back up his claims. There are a few other theories as to where syphilis came from, but without evidence backing up his claim, how are we to know which one is correct, if any? He tries to support his theory with a table of the diseases present throughout time, but it is not enough to convince the reader that his is the correct theory, or that the other's aren't.

Another thing that got to me about the book is that he claims that The Columbian Exchange has had a worldwide effect. The book may present some of the changes that were wrought of the European expansion into the Americas, but it was far from worldwide in it effects. In fact, the "far reaching" biological consequences consisted of a small part of the New World, mainly Central America, the West Indies, Southern North America, and Northern South America.

To his credit, he stays focused on what the book was about: The biological aspects of the European expansion into the New World. He didn't deviate much into the culture, social, or economic impact that the discovery of the New World had on both worlds. His focus on how the Spanish would not have had such success in the New World if it were not for the diseases that they brought with them, and the various elements of surprise that the Spaniards had over the natives.

To sum up, I would have to say that this book is good in getting its point across, but for all other purposes, it was mediocre. He did a good job of supporting the claims he made with evidence, though in some places this made it tough to read. Some of the aspects of the connection between the biology and history of the region were a little deep, and that would drive away the average reader. I would recommend it to those looking for an educational look at the causes of the changes in the New World, but for the average for-fun reader, I would say stay away from it.

Alfred W. Crosby, in his 1972 book The Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492, represents a relatively recent trend among historians who are beginning to take a closer look at the first contacts between European and American peoples and the long-term cultural effects of that encounter in both Native American and Old World European societies. For generations the traditional historical perspective has argued that American history began with Columbus. There has been only slight relevance given to probable Viking landfall by Lief Ericson on North America and even less credence to earlier Celtic voyages by Brenden.
This idea--that native cultures in the Americas prior to 1492 have no significance until touched by a European presence--is being called into question today by Crosby and others like him, who look at the aftermath of Columbus and the "age of exploration" with a multidisciplinary approach by bringing together the combined research of anthropologists, archeologists and historians.

Crosby begins his work with a look at the evolution of life in the Western hemisphere and some of its very basic differences to that with which the Europeans were familiar. He also addresses issues that faced sixteenth century Europeans in their attempt to integrate the Americas into their Christian and Aristotelian worldview, pointing out that: "The uniqueness of the New World called into question the whole Christian cosmogony." The task of categorizing the resources of the New World led to further questions for the Europeans: how to find a place, in their established hierarchies of man and nature, that would both satisfy the missionary zeal of the Church and the mercenary zeal of the Courts of Eurpoe. These same questions and issues, and the consequences of some of the more Eurocentric answers, have in one way or another impacted both European and American societies for the last five hundred years.

One of the most impressive things about Crosby's book is his multi-scholastic approach to his subject. He draws on an immense list of sources for his material; sources not only historical, but scientific and philosophic as well. Not only does he catalog the variety of plant and animal life that the Old World transplanted to the new and vice versa, but he draws historical implications from the exchanges as well. Perhaps the most interesting exchange that Crosby delineates is the consequence of the introduction of Old World pathogens--like smallpox, measles, diptheria, pneumonia, typhus and various other epidemics--among the non-resistant peoples native to the Americas. He deals at length with the reasons for the epidemic spread of these diseases and their devastating effects on Native populations.

He also very clearly covers both sides of the controversy, the Unitarian and the Columbian theories, surrounding the transmittal of syphilis from New World to Old, and goes on to describe the consequent effects of that disease on Europe from the sixteenth century onward. Most commendable here is Crosby's attitude, wherein he presents all his research clearly and without obvious bias, allowing his readers to draw their own conclusions from the wealth of material he has put forth. He concludes the chapter on syphilis with a number of fascinating accounts of the bacterium as it struck Europe in the following centuries, of the various treatments and "cures" and of the social impact of such a virulent venereal disease.

If Crosby can be criticized at all it might be said that he is writing primarily for other scholars. His references and vocabulary--both impressive--might be intimidating to the average reader. His topic, however, and this alternate perspective on the "discovery" of America and the impact of its "conquest" are issues of which even non-historians should be aware. In that respect Crosby must be congratulated for being a leader in bringing together multiple disciplines in socio-historiography.

This would be an excellent book for the hardcore historian or the equally enthusiastic biologist, because it builds a neat and entertaining bridge between the two. Historically, Crosby does an excellent job in expounding upon the consequences of Europeon contact with the New World and accomplishes something quite unique. Most authors bog down in the details, but Crosby brings out the big picture, and neatly places the cause and effects of biological exchange between the once separated "worlds." This book changed the way I look at discovery and its consequences. This study examines the far reaching effects from syphillis to potatoes and makes for an eye-opening and distinctly different read.

The only reason I give this 4 instead of 5 stars is I wanted more!

Gary Giddin's long-awaited biography gets off to a good start with the first volume, looking at the early years of Crosby. These are the years that made Bing Crosby into a national sensation. Those unfamiliar with Crosby's earlier work, may not quite realize what a significant figure he was in the evolution of popular music. Here was a white artist singing and legitimizing for a broader artist the songs, techniques, and feeling of black artists. Though the book's first two chapters detailing the arrival of Crosby's ancestors to the country (really, does anyone want to read about this??) are of interest only to other biographers, the book as a whole soon starts sailing into the life of Bing Crosby. It's all here, the good, the bad, and the ugly. While this volume doesn't yet get to the more difficult years described in Gary Crosby's book, the author's tone makes it clear he thinks Bing was a complex man. He's quick to dismiss the more unsavory biographies of Crosby written in the wake of his death, and his evidence seems to indicate that perhaps Crosby has been the victim of hatchet jobs. The book is also an outstanding chronicle of the Crosby records and films of this era, with very detailed recounts of the making of some of his most notable tracks and movies. It ends with the filming and release of "The Road to Singapore," and sets the stage for the next volume focusing on the Legendary Years.

Gary Giddins has pealed away the mendacity that has surrounded Bing Crosby in published literature since his death. Bing was pilloried in books by his son Gary, and painted in other biographies as a philandering, cold-as-ice misanthrope. Finally Crosby fans can embrace a book which contains much positive information on one of the greatest and most influential Americans icons of the 20th century. Bing's brilliance has been inexplicably eclipsed since his death. Hopefully, this book will introduce the Crosby magic to those who have never been exposed to it.

Without Bing Crosby, popular music would not sound the way it sounds today, it's that simple. When he first started singing with Paul Whiteman's band in the 20's as a member of the Rhythm Boys, all vocalists sounded the same: weak-kneed tenors warbling through megaphones, ala the insufferable Rudy Vallee. Bing's mellifluous, effortless baritone became the standard by which every other singer strove to emulate: Sinatra, Como, Dean Martin and every other singer initially copied Bing.

Giddins correctly emphasizes Bing's influence on 20th century pop culture. He was a vocal innovator par excellence and his jazz phrasing, timing and cadence remains unmatched. Giddins also explores in great depth Crosby's numerous affairs, his tortured marriage to the alcoholic Dixie Lee, and brings out some interesting gossip: did you know Bing smoked pot regularly with Louis Armstrong in the early 30's? No more Mr. Goody Two Shoes!

I've loved Bing Crosby all my life and have waited a lifetime for an intelligent and readable biography. Gary Giddins is an excellent writer and researcher and he has created a minor masterpiece. This is an essential addition to any Crosbyphile's bookshelf.

This book, only volume one of a 2 set; chronicles the life of Bing Crosby from 1903-1940. It is written with the wit, musical knowledge, and furvor of Gary Giddins, who is a brilliant writer of many books (SATCHMO is the greatest Louis Armstrong biography), and a great jazz critic for the Village Voice. Gary Giddins gives Bing Crosby his true place as the most influential Pop singer of the 20th Century. Bing Crosby invented the vocal style we use even today, and was the original King of All Media way before Howard Stern (the top star in Movies, Recordings, Radio, best-selling author, and later a TV staple). This volume covers the first half of Crosby's life, when he developed into what we know as BING CROSBY, and America was becoming what it eventually is recognized as now. I can't wait for the second volume (how long will we have to wait, Mr. Giddins???) A joy from cover to cover. Also includes discography of the years examined, and entire career filmography.

Going by other reader reviews of this book, some fans of the series were disappointed by The Essential Bordertown--they felt the stories "just weren't the same" or something. Of course they weren't the same! It has a different character than other books in the series, but that's only to be expected from an anthology, and I enjoyed it immensely. One of its best features, to my mind, is the way "guidebook" excerpts are placed between the stories--for those unfamiliar with Bordertown, they provide excellent background material, and for fans, they're full of little jokes and references to familiar locations/people/events. They also make good transitions from one story to the next. The book contains 13 stories (how apropos) by Patricia A. McKillip, Midori Snyder, Delia Sherman, Donnard Sturgis, Ellen Kushner, Michael Korolenko, Elisabeth Kushner, Charles de Lint, Caroline Stevermer, Steven Brust, Ellen Steiber, Micole Sudberg, and Felicity Savage, of which four particularly struck me.

I loved Patricia A. McKillip's "Oak Hill" for many reasons, but one of them is that its protagonist reminded me of myself in junior high--a lonely girl with bad skin looking for magick. I particularly liked the fact that the girl has no terrible reason to come to Bordertown; she just wants something better--something more--than what she has. McKillip's prose is beautiful as ever, and the ending, though of course I won't give it away, is simple and powerful. "Dragon Child" by Midori Snyder is largely set in Dragontown, which has always been one of my favorite areas of Bordertown. Eli, half elvin and half human, escapes from his cruel elvin father to Bordertown, where he struggles to fully free himself from the aristrocratic father who has controlled him all his life. The story doesn't offer any easy answer to Eli's problems; it may be about a boy who blurs the border between the World and Faerie, but it's realistic.

"Changeling" by Elisabeth Kushner I admit I was already predisposed to like--young lesbians desperately trying to build a happy life for themselves have always had a special place in my heart. "Oak Hill" shows Bordertown as a place to run to; "Changeling," like "Dragon Child," shows it as a place to run away to. Selkie/Seal (neither her given name, of course; people who come to Bordertown frequently give themselves new names, in the hopes of new lives) is trying to find a place where her "difference" won't stand out, and comes to Bordertown--where it might not be easier, but it might also be better. The final member of my top four, Ellen Steiber's "Argentine," is about an elvin girl who didn't run anywhere--she was banished, her memory erased, to Bordertown, where she does what she seems to do best: steals. Argentine seeks out things that matter to people, and takes them, to feel the love they contain. But no thief's luck lasts forever, as the ghost of a dead man is only too happy to remind her when she takes his living lover's necklace. Steiber makes Argentine a sympathetic character, despite the things she does, and Roberto, already dead, is tragic. This story makes me cry almost every time I read it.

The Essential Bordertown definitely holds its own within the series, and I highly recommend it--and if you like it, you should try to find the others, although some are out of print and hard to get ahold of.

Chicago Reader(review below), I challenge you to a duel by pistols (no make that Border-magic) at dawn! You are wrong, wrong, wrong! This book is still the Borderland we know and love. (Gentrification? Phooey!) B-town is still gritty/still fey/still full of mean streets and rock-n-roll but also full of color/magic/the angst of young human- and elven-beings living life on the edge. The stories make it clear that a few years have passed since the earlier books and the 'town has changed, but Soho is still Soho. And a bit o' change is good, it would be awful if the books stayed stuck in a 1980s vibe. The new book is less "Adam Ant" and "Thompson Twins" than earlier books like Bordertown, Finder, etc.--more "AfroCeltic Sound System" or "Dead Can Dance", more worldbeat and world culture in them which is a great thing as far as I'm concerned, a personal opinion sure but one shared by my circle of Border fans here.

The Delia Sherman story was my personal fav (welcome to Bordertown, Ms. Sherman!) but there was plenty o' other good tunes here too. Patricia A. McKillip's story broke my heart, Ellen Kushner's story made me laugh, Midori Snyder is back in fine form and I liked the less polished but raw and dynamic stories by newcomers like Jenna Felice and Donnard Sturgis too. Special nod to Felicity Savage for her cool and snarky tale at the end o' the book. There's one thing me and Chicago Reader can agree on though: Ms. Windling's "guide" pieces are the absolute best.

To the writers and editors of this volume: thanx from all us Border Rats here in Flagstaff. Borderland just keeps getting better and better. Those of you readers who may be new to the Border, the other books in the series are great, but start with this one. Start with the best.

Well I read the two reviews below and then I read the book itself. I gotta vote along with Flagstaff Reader, not Chicago Reader, that this book is awesom and the best Border book yet. I think since Chicago Reader picked "Bordertown" and "Finder" as his/her personal favs of all the Borderland books then he/she is probably a big fan of Will Shetterly and Emma Bull's Borderland stories. Well, thats cool but Chicago Reader should realize that not all of us are. The Shetterly & Bull version of Bordertown is fine and fun but personally its a bit too "Miami Vice" for me (altho I thought "Elsewhere" was different and pretty cool) and its really nice to see the series move on past the 1980s and into the 1990s. I for one was really glad to see stories by Patricia McKillip, Midori Snyder and Ellen Kushner instead. Chicago Reader is mistaken if he/she thinks that "Bordertown" and "Finder" were the original Borderland books. Look at the older books in the series you'll see that the first book was called "Borderland" and Terri Windling, Mark Alan Arnold, Charles de Lint, Midori Snyder, Stephen Boyett and Ellen Kushner were the people who created the world of Bordertown. And then in the next book, called "Bordertown" ,Shetterly & Bull came into a world that had been created by other people and added some places and characters to it, and in the next book, "Life on the Border" Michael Koralenko, Craig Shaw Gardner, Cara Dalky joined up and all added their own nieghborhoods and characters to the town- which is what makes it so cool, there's plenty of room for everybody here! So all you Border Rats, don't be put off by Chicago Reader, this is a great book full of all the stuff we love best in Borderland! I agree with Flagstaff Reader that no matter what part of Bordertown you like best, whether it's De Lint's Dancing Ferret or Shetterly & Bull's Danceland or Midori Snyder's dojo or Ballamy Bach's Gray and Wicker, there is plenty of room for everybody, so come down to Soho and lets rock!

As for me I LOVE the Patricia A. McKillip story here the best and also the Elisabeth Kushner story about two gay girls, and lots of other stories besides. As a mixed race teenager, Black dad and White mom, I can REALLY relate to stories about kids from two races trying to fit in. And also I really like the fact that the books are even more "multicultural" now. My only complaint is that I want more more more. Ms. Windling and Ms. Sherman and Tor Books, please don't make us wait so long for the next one!!! And please bring this out in paperback so I can own my own copy since I can't keep this library copy forever.Thank you.

Why did the Spanish flu kill 25 million people worldwide? Why did it kill those in the prime of life more efficiently than the usual flu victims, the very young or the very old? Where did it go after its nine month run through the world in 1918-1919? Can it strike again? Why has it been largely forgotten by historians? Engaging questions all, and Alfred Crosby asks them and to a greater or lesser extent seeks to answer them. Still, this book is less than it could be, written for too much of its length as if he were keeping his narrative powers deliberately in check. For those that doubt he is capable of powerful writing, the last chapter stands as rebuttal, with its tribute to Katherine Anne Porter -- to whom the book is dedicated -- and an adult's recollection of how the flu brought home at age seven the early realization that "life was not a perpetual present, and that even tomorrow would be part of the past, and that for all my days and years to come I too must one day die." I'd like to have seen more of those personal close-ups of the impact of the flu instead of the grim numbers in Philadelphia, then the grim numbers in San Francisco, then the grim numbers in Alaska. It is as if Crosby wanted to write a history of the era as it was lived with the flu and wound up writing a journal of morbidity and mortality, and the virus sleuthing that followed. He aimed for a vision and achieved a laboratory slide -- no mean accomplishment, but not, I think, what we or he were finally after.

Between Alfred Crosby and Richard Collier, these two men have written the definitive works on the Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918. Subsequent writers like Iezzoni and Kolata heavily use the primary reseach done by both Crosby and Collier.

Crosby's work does, to some degree, lack eloquent narrative, but it is a superbly researched book on the pandemic. Crosby sticks to the facts and statistics and has achieved a work that is well written history. I would recommend reading Richard Collier's work in conjunction with this work to get the full impact of the pandemic. Crosby focuses on the pandemic's impact in America while Collier focuses on the more global experience. While Collier may have a better flowing narrative, Crosby includes all of the hard statistics which lends a different, more concrete feeling to the subject matter. Overall, if Crosby's work is the left shoe, Collier's is the right shoe. You can read one without the other, but, why would you want to?

The title of this exceptional book is the understatement of the 20th century. This was not your average killer flu! The handful of other killer flu's of the century (defined as 20,000+ deaths, a small fraction of the number who died in 1918), the kind with which we're all familiar, look mighty miniscule beside this virus that took its victims in a most painful and violent manner. This pandemic, which killed more soldiers than World War I, seems to have completely escaped the attention of America's under-informed and virus- and biological warfare-obsessed media today. So much so that Crosby devotes a chapter to the fact that this major event--which, by the way, has never been fully explained--disappeared from the collective conscience as soon as it was over. Some of this undoubtedly was due to (1) no television, and (2) very little radio due to the war, and (3) the war. Because I assure you, if anything even remotely of this magnitude happened today, there would be absolute mass panic and hysteria: the economy might well come crashing to the ground for good. And well there should be. This mysterious and deadly virus remains unique in several ways, including the weird fact that it mostly attacked and killed people in the prime of their lives (20s and 30s). So devastated was port-city Philadelphia that coffins were stacked in the street. Coffin-makers naturally took advantage and price-gauged to the extent the US government had to intervene (kind of like gas immedately shooting up to $5 a gallon on September 11th in Indianapolis, Indiana). And on and on. There is nothing about this subject or this book that isn't simply shocking. As for the data, well, that's how good academic research is done for crying out loud. If the author hadn't included the statistics, everyone would have denounced this as shoddy pseudoscience. Moreover, the startling mortality data are fascinating in their own right. Exceptionally well-written and WELL WORTH THE READ!!!

One of the best Pharmacology book, it does not get into the chemistry of the drugs etc but a very extensive source to read for first time pharmacology exposure. A lot of things that is normally covered in Physiology books are recalled here. Author also provides extensive links between different applications and explanations. Certainly book is written mainly for Nurses but from simple reading and explanations point of view it is very useful for everybody as a reference book.
I enjoyed reading every line of it. authors do not spare on any information to make it clear.

While the material is highly technical, it is presented in a clear, concise manner with excellent end of chapter summaries.
Substantial amounts of background information are presented to ensure a thorough understanding of the physiology of some body systems in order to permit a better understanding of how some medications work. Minimal molecular biology is included. Personally, I liked this text and will be keeping my copy for years to come.

I have to say that this is one of the best text books I've ever had to buy! It's well written, well organized, and thoughtfully prepared. The author presents what might otherwise be very confusing and complicated ideas, and makes them straightforward and easy to understand. Best of all, I actually ENJOY reading this text. Yes, that's right, I enjoy reading about pharmacology! By making the concepts understandable, he makes the whole topic of drugs and their affects on the body interesting. What could be better than that?

This is an impressive pocket resource for Buddhism. Unlike some earlier reviewers, I did read it from cover to cover, and am very impressed. Powers' explanations of basic Buddhist concepts is very clear and straightforward. Of course in a work like this he had to be selective, but the range of entries is staggering, with good choices of what to include as most representative/interesting. He covers all the main Buddhist traditions, including modern western Buddhist movements. My only complaints are that he puts disproportionate stress on the twentieth century and on Tibetan Buddhism. His coverage of southeast Asia and Sri Lanka is very light. But it's definitely a VERY good reference work for anyone interested in Buddhism.

Michael McCormack, Your review of this book shows your ignorance. You state the author needs more research yet you admit you did not even read the entire book! This review shows you are both stupid and lazy. I found it had impressive coverage for a book this size. You should stick to watching those Buffy The Vampire Slayer reruns You love so much. That is obviously your intellectual level!

I found this an exceptionally reliable and useful one volume reference book for my studies. For its size, it has an impressive coverage of terms, history etc. It is also affordable. I highly recommend it.

This is not my first book from Tanya Anne Crosby, but I thought the book to lack feeling (always jumps from subject before you could emphasize enough), the characters weren't formed so well (especially when the hero's 'I love you Elizabet, marry me! Hahahah.) Didn't think it came at the right time. The plot was shallow, editing needs work and I found some of the words laughable. Though it had humor, which made the book bearable to its end. I finished the book in one seating and got up feeling it was not entirely a waste of my money or the author's best work. But if your choosey at picking Romance books I wouldn't suggest it, but if feel for the risk be my guest. 1 star- for being written, 2 star- for being published, 3 star for finishing it. I think it deserves a three star.

I have read MacKinnons Bride, Lions Gift and on Bended Knee, so it was great to finally see Broc meet up with his true love. I was endeared to him from the first book. He is like a big teddy bear with a big heart. I hope to see more to do with this group in the future, its nice to recognize characters from past stories and see how they all blend together. If you haven't read this series start from the beginning so you will appreciate this story of Broc all the more. I am now a devoted fan of her books and cannot wait for the next one.

Tanya Anne Crosby has built her career on warm, lovable characters with just the right touch of humor. Lion Heart is no exception. Broc and Elizabet are delightful. E has the spirit and spunk of a true heroine. B is a remarkable hero full of charm and honor. A rich, wonderful read.

Wolff wrote this book in reaction to Malcolm Cowley's portrait of Crosby in Exile's Return. Unlike Cowley, Wolff did not find Crosby to be the representative figure for the Lost Generation. He finds Crosby's obsessions with suicide to predate his war service and his interest in the mystic to be Crosby's alone. The book is probably the best possible portrait of a failed poet and wealthy mystic, who happens to have a deathwish, as could possibly be written. So the book is more a study in human pathology than a sociological study of a generation. It's worth reading all the same.

Geoffrey Wolff's bio of the poet, publisher, and mystic Harry Crosby is a terrific read as well as a singularly important contribution to the unfortunately slender body of scholarship on Harry Crosby. Despite persistent popular and academic interest in 1920s literary Paris, Crosby & the Black Sun Press are generally ignored completely or dismissed as marginal. This is truly puzzling. Wolff's biography, while certainly not uncritical, nevertheless does take the man seriously and offers an absorbing account of the life & work of a true original.

1920's biography of decadence and hedonism. Quite a disturbing read but well worth it.

This book is good for people just starting out on studying mythology. It was a little simplistic but easy to follow, some books on mythology can getting confusing if you aren't good at remembering who is who but this one was easy to keep track with.

My young daughter has gotten into mythology and ancient religion and this is one of the few books I've found geared towards the young reader. It contains a lot of good beginner information about the Gods/Goddesses of Egypt. I highly recommend this book for the Level 2 reader.