The first chapter of this volume details the origins of the sphinx, which the author suggests may date back to cave drawings. Much attention is devoted to the Great Sphinx, with explanations of its construction and theories about whom or what the monumental statue represents. The second chapter re-tells well-known stories involving a sphinx, including the curse on Thebes and King Thutmose’s dream, and explores many of the legends surrounding the Great Sphinx. The final chapter is a delightful reminder of the many popular stories of today that feature a sphinx, including an Indiana Jones movie, a Terry Pratchett novel, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and other assorted movies, novels and video games. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.
—Doug Achterman