The authors style is an excellent place for a novice to start. In her introduction, she specifically states that her focus is not on the historical lore. She also discusses the disadvantages of the modern rune student. Many webstores offer this book along with the runesets they sell rather than try to write a reference sheet. I do have a few quibbles- the blank rune (Ralph Blums interpretations come from what is known as the New Years Day or Futhark layout that uses all of the runes; so it is not an invalid rune method- just an unnecessary rune addition), the mix of Anglo-Saxon and Germanic styles of naming, the choice of the 4 layouts. Her appendices and reading list are top-rate!
Some get very upset about the addition of the blank rune but for me, this was my first rune book which I bought AFTER making my runes and the ones I made (followed some other source) also had a blank rune so I had expected a blank rune all along. Since then I have owned a few other rune books, but for me, this works best. I guess find what works for you - I am told I do pretty well in my readings and all my meanings are originally based in this books meanings. I like its to-the-point definitions. I have had those books that give 4 pages to each rune and it may offend some, but I say, who needs all that? I just want to learn them, not know every possible detail of their origin. Basic, understandable meanings in upright and reverse positions and gives a "just-the-facts" approach to standard rune layouts also. Still my personnal favorite book on runes. Still refer to it at times when I leave my runes for a long period. My copy is higlighted and aged :) Some say these are not traditional meanings and should not be used but for what ever reason, it works for me so maybe its a find what fits ya kinda thing - I like this one. The only reason I gave it four stars is that I would recommend some other book (if not now, at some point) just to give ya some background also but I havent yet found a book Id really recommend because I dont like long draggy books as learning tools.
This little book is quite practical for traveling due to its small size. It contains usefull information about the runes as a divination tool. but if your into runes for more practical uses it wont be as helpful as books like "futhark" by Edred Thorsson. I used this book as a traveling book while the more practical books were left home...
