The latest entry in the Greenwood Guides to the Universe series explores the Sun and observes that while it is ordinary in the context of a star in the universe, its proximity to the earth has generated significant advances in the study of astronomy and physics. Alexander (astrophysics, Rice U.) explores the Sun's roles as a timekeeper and mythological entity beforeproviding scientific data on its surface, magnetism, atmosphere and climate. Appendices include interesting facts about the Sun and a glossary of terms so that novice and advanced students, as well as general readers, can appreciate the content.