Foulston and Abbott (both Religious Studies and Philosophy, University of Wales, Newport) explore the diversity of Hindu goddesses and the variety of ways in which they are worshipped. In the first part of the book, the authors provide a series of encounters with a range of Hindu goddesses, starting with the idea of "Goddess" as a philosophical concept. In the second part, readers are led through the tangled web of goddess worship, and shown the contrast between temple and local worship, the splendor of festivals, and the importance of pilgrimage. A conclusion examines contemporary developments in goddess worship, such as the appearance of new deities. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, this book should interest undergraduate students and anyone wanting to know more about the religions and philosophy of India. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)