Book excerpt: Birhat Jatak from time immemorial has been considered as the standard textbook on Astrology. The English translation of Varahamihira`s Brihat Jataka is a monumental work in completing which the difficulties in translating a beautiful, technical and suggestive work in sanskrit had to surmounted by hard labour, profound research and want of adequate expressions. It is not mere a translation work; the ripe experience of Mr. Rao for over 60 years in the field of Astrology and his sound judgment on doubtful points have substantiated its value further.