Substantial criticisms and laudatory comments already have been made by persons much more knowledgeable than me about the times and subjects encompassed by this heavy and unwieldy book. Despite an abundance of tasty "low-hanging fruit" and numerous fascinating illustrations, the countless "facts" (offered as gospel) are not woven into an elegant and convincing fabric. The book essentially is a hodgepodge -- an agglomeration of index-card jottings amassed over a number of years, I surmise. We really can't see the forest for the trees here, notwithstanding that a great many trees evidently are missing. So, neither engrossing nor very useful as a reference. It's main virtue: not expensive. Read more