While the work of Carl Gustav Jung is of immense importance to the development of psychological and philosophical thought in the 20th century, the written works of Jung and many of his followers are framed within the historical context of the first half of the century. In more recent years, many volumes have been published to explain Jungian thought, often to popularize it, occasionally to excoriate it. This collection of essays edited by Polly Young Eisendrath and Terence Dawson is an excellent critical introduction to Jungian and post-Jungian thought from a 21st century perspective. While very readable, the essays are scholarly and avoid oversimplifying the ideas to make them more popularly palatable. In addition to being a useful introduction, the depth of the essays should make them interesting even to readers who are familiar with Jung and his work.

Thorough, clear, and occasionally whimsical, this book is an invaluable reference to keep by your side as you read about the search for extraterrestrial life and, indeed, as you read about most space topics.

Information is presented in hundreds (even thousands?) of well-written entries explaining and describing topics as diverse as the role of extraterrestrials in science fiction to Cepheid Variable stars, from laundry lists of nearby star systems to biographies of prominent scientists. The length and breadth of the information presented is truly impressive.

All information is throughly cross-referenced, with more detailed references indicated by a dark arrow.

Entries are written with an interest in the search for extraterrestrial life, but the book is a fine general reference work for amateurs interested in all space sciences.

The only complaint I have is that I wish there were more detailed illustrations for some concepts; if half stars were available, I might rate this book 4-and-a-half for this, but it deserves better than a four, in my opinion.

All in all, an extremely valuable reference, as well as a fascinating read in and of itself if you are interested in space science.

This encyclopedia covers much more than its title suggests. You'll find subjects involving everything from religion to history to science --- and it's all related somehow to the possibility of life on other planets. This is a comprehensive work, yet I find it somewhat entertaining, too. The latest facts available regarding SETI, Area 51, the Roswell Crash of 1947, the Hubble Telescope, and too many other subjects to mention here are all presented in condensed, yet concise form in this book. The author also covers science fiction topics and theories as well as science. And it's perfect for the beginner or the trained professional. Charts, photos, illustrations, and cross references make it even more reader friendly.