Meteorites, those mysterious relics of the Solar System's birth, are a topic of continuing interest to scientist and layperson alike, and their interpretation has undergone dramatic changes over time. Burke provides a most thorough and readable account of the fascinating evolution of scientific thought on the subject of meteorites. The curious folklore and legends that have grown up around meteorites also receive their due share of attention. Contemporary meteorite research and the host of new techniques used in its conduct are also described. The copious notes and 56-page bibliography will appeal to the more scholarly reader. --From Library Journal.