The second book of essays covered in this volume originally appeared as Adonis and the Alphabet and Other Essays. These are much more in keeping with Huxley's interests in social institutions and practices and are placed against the backdrop of his perennial interests in history, technology and religion. Readers of his earlier essays will be on more familiar territory here. I think that one of Huxley's most appealing talents is his ability to inform on a wide range of disciplines with confidence but without superficiality. One essay, Gesualdo, is a hugely entertaining piece on the 16th century composer. In the space of a few pages Huxley introduces his life (including the episode of hiring assassins to murder his unfaithful wife and her lover), recreates something of the nobility's role in Naples at that time and details, through an exposition of his contribution to the development of the madrigal form, his genius for music. It is witty, informative and never boring.

Huxley's writing is deeply insightful. He conveys with ease issues that are just as relevant today through their historical contexts and introduces us to the history of ideas. This volume (as well as others in the series) has an excellent introduction by Robert Baker who conveys the main flow of the essays and Huxley's life at that time. This sturdy volume is complete with a comprehensive index for easy reference. I think the 34 essays contained in this volume represent great value for money and I unreservedly recommend it.