While this, the second volume of the Cosmic Trigger series, continues along the path set by the original Cosmic Trigger I , it also stands solidly on its own. Any reader with an open mind and a sense of humour cannot help but be entertained and enlightened while following Wilson's explorations into such subjects as the future of cyberspace; the peculiarities of Irish jurisprudence; links among the Mafia, the CIA and the Catholic Church; anal-eroticism in the White House; the Dog Castrator of Palm Springs; and many more observations from his infinitely fertile brain.