It is very easy to see that this is the culmination of twenty years of Shadowrun publications. Basically, this should be read by all existing players of the game, and by those coming into it. Whilst the language in some sections is definitely 'M' Rated, GMs should exercise some degree of caution when recommending it. However, that aside, this is a fantastic resource for GMs and players alike. It is comprised of two sections, the first being a history of the Shadowrun world and then an almanac of countries. The timeline contains information that I hadn't encountered before, or perhaps have forgotten over the last four editions worth of source-books. By collating it all in one book, and then rounding it off, fans can now see a logical rationale for the Sixth World and all of the signposts that created the SR setting. Whilst FASA, WizKids and FanPro have all done a good job of creating a believable setting, this book caps it off very nicely.

This will be the sort of sourcebook I'll keep by me in every game, and flip through every now and then as recreational reading. The inclusion of a small amount of fiction, interspersed with the timeline was well-delivered and makes reading the book a greater pleasure.