ANCIENT MYSTERIES,
P. James and N. Thorpe, Ballantine Books, Random House, 1999, pp651, ISBN 0-345-40195-6, Price: $44.95 (hc).

This enjoyable book is full (and I mean full!) of interesting facts and theories about “ancient mysteries.” Topics such as the lost continent of Atlantis, the rise and fall of Mayan civilization, vampires, Robin Hood, and the creation of the pyramids, are addressed.

A good balance is maintained between presenting facts, presenting numerous theories and analyzing the information provided. Strengths and weaknesses of existing theories are pointed out, using scientific and historical correlations. I particularly like the cross-disciplinary approach taken to the analysis. Arguments are based on a combination of history, anthropology, astronomy, physics, geology, ancient languages, and more. The authors usually present their own “best guess solutions” to the issues explored, but don’t claim to have all the answers.

Too often, I find that books of a scientific, or logical, nature are dry and don’t entertain. By keeping the text readable, and using illustrations and humour, the authors of this book manage to feed the mind while keeping the fingers turning the pages.

Eva Marczak, P.Phys.
Ontario Power Generation, Inc.