Pretty much junk. This book came out before common folk were taking a hard historical look at the runes and the religion of the Ases had truly gotten off the ground. Everybody back in the day I am sure had bought it lol but with knowledge and better historical books that are out there now, we all can throw this on the trash heap of history and continue on. ( )

I keep this around to show people why not to use it.
The runes on the cover start with the words, "Christ was a great teacher..."
Well yes but that has nothing to do with runes, though he does have a reason for it.
Also the runes on the cover can't be translated using what he shows in the book.
I'm told it's 5 different rune sets, including Tolkien runes..

There are two main things to keep in mind with this book.
First, if you work at it. It will work fine for you.
Second. HE made it up. For some reason all the research that has been done in the past wasn't good enough.
This will be the biggest problem for you long term.
Because if this is the book you start with. Pretty much no one in Asatru , or Heathenism will talk to you after you mention this book.
It's a lot easier to start with any of the many other good books out there for beginner Runes.
The best books i know of for runes are.
http://www.librarything.com/work/4632...
http://www.librarything.com/work/9885...
http://www.librarything.com/work/1660...
http://www.librarything.com/work/5321...

Those are the best ones I currently know of. ( )

The book which restarted the craze ... yes it is full of flaws as far as the 'experts' are concerned but still you can't beat it for the quinessential beginners book or for those looking for a book/rune set. Like tarot cards, runes can be used for insight into the 'future' or into matters you are concerned with. The nice thing about this book set is that it comes with a set of runestones - so it is perfect for the beginner. Personally i consider it a collectors item (at least sentimentally) since it did open a whole world of books and debate for this used-to-be overlooked end of the Craft. ( )

Decent with the basics for learning your beth, luis, fearn, and some oracle/divination work. ( )

This is a wonderfully clear and concise history, use, and interpretation of the Runes. A bag of Runes comes with this book. ( )