Jalaja Bonheim's Goddess presents a visually stunning, wide-ranging exploration of the "feminine face of God." Its tales and illustrations dip into many cultures, drawing up the likes of ribald Baubo, the Greek goddess of obscenity who "speaks from between her legs," and Au Co, the Vietnamese goddess from the 36th heaven whose tears became a river on earth. The Egyptian goddess Nut gives birth to the sun daily, then swallows him nightly in her enveloping body. Told she must sprint faster than an egotistical Irish king's swiftest steeds or die, pregnant Macha-- daughter of the Strange Son of the Ocean--asks bystanders to appeal for a delay until after she gives birth. "Help me," she entreats, "for a mother bore each one of you." When her plea is ignored, she wins the race handily, gives birth to twins, and curses the men of Ulster. Well-told myths, poetry, songs, and contemporary stories make this celebration of the goddess thoroughly enjoyable.