As the book's subtitle says, 'Visible Gods' truly does give revealing glimpses into the ancient heritage of the Brahmins of India. Combining scholarly narrative, delightful stories depicting legends and stereotypes about Brahmins and brief biographies of some eminent Brahmins, the author presents a fascinating account of their character and obsessions, ideals and main achievements. At the same time, however, he is unsparing in his criticism of their major failures. Primarily intended to share with his family his feelings of pride as well as guilt in his Brahmin ancestry, the book should be of value to anyone interested in the cultural history of the world, especially of India. Steeped in history and full of knowledgeable commentary and learned insight, 'Visible Gods' is both thought provoking and educational.