This book could easily be used as a classroom textbook.  At the beginning, the author explains the geography and history of Africa and how it effects the culture of the various people.  This history lesson is significant in understanding how mythology was ‘rediscovered,’ so to speak.  There is no one set stories for all of Africa, but each region has it’s own.  Each region or culture has it’s own stories of creation or explanation for why things exist as they do.  This book is broken down into chapters with myths of the most well known history; i.e., how Anansi got his stories.  At the end of each chapter is a section titled, ‘Questions and Answers,’ which could be used as discussion topics.  Following this section, is a segment titled, ‘Expert Commentary,’ where Altman explains the chapter’s main themes.  A large portion of this commentary is useful, however, Altman goes into quoting paragraphs from published experts which seems a tad overdone.  Maybe this portion would be better suited to the older audiences.  The book finishes with a glossary, chapter notes (this is new to me, and leads me to believe that maybe this book was targeted towards a more academic audience), internet sites, suggestions for further reading, and an index.  Very complete.