The late author, Sonia P. Seherr-Thoss, was, among other things, a philanthropist, historian, and avid world traveler. She believed strongly in the value of education, and in those of the present learning from those of the past.

In IDEAS AND ADVENTURES, Seherr-Thoss presents an in-depth view of the lesser known cultures of the period 1200-1700. Even though the cultures discusses are not as popularly studied or known as perhaps the Roman and Greek empires, there is something to be learned and insights to be gained, from learning about these more obscure cultures.

In addition to the information shared by the author and her insights about how these ancient cultures affect modern-day cultures, the book is peppered with original photographs. Most of the photos in the book were taken by Seherr-Thoss herself who was a pioneer in the field of cultural photography.

History buffs may enjoy reading the book from cover to cover. I have found for myself that I enjoy thumbing through the book, reading what interests me as I go. Either way, it is an interesting book to have. Not a traditional “coffee table” book in that its size is more diminutive than most books so categorized, that's where my book sits—on the coffee table—waiting to delight and inform me on yet another subject.