For a basic understanding of aunts' societal roles, Christiansen and Brophy examine how different cultures designate a word describing an aunt's relationship to other family members. Some cultures do not have a word in their language to even acknowledge an aunt, while in other cultures the word aunt holds double meaning. In French, tante means aunt, but is also a negative slang term for homosexuals. In Japanese, an aunt is called amitam, a word also used for a father's concubine. The English word aunt has been used in written language since the 1300's. In the 1700's, aunt became the short-lived slang word for prostitute or brothel-keeper. In 1844, the closest derivative of aunt - 'auntly' - was found in limited correspondence.

Throughout history, aunts have nurtured, protected, or ruled over their future famous nieces and nephews. Some youths may have developed their talents because of their aunts' loving direction or their indifferent house rules. Do you know whom John Lennon called weekly? Who inspired the fashion mogul, Coco Chanel, when she was an orphaned six-year old? Stories of famous and everyday aunts present several behavior categories, such as mothering aunts, heroic aunts, X-rated aunts, literary, and honorary aunts.

Authors Christiansen and Brophy highlight behaviors of aunts in art, literature, music, fashion, history, entertainment and history. The Complete Book of Aunts is an intriguing sociological exploration of the role across time and cultures. The literary prose provides detailed information among the delightful tales. With my sociology background, I thoroughly enjoyed the views of different cultures and the role of aunts throughout history. I found bits of treasure in unknown aunts who stood behind legends such as Lennon and Chanel. I loved reading the rich stories of aunts-by-marriage, honorary aunts, and aunts in mother roles, which also described the aunts I’ve had - and have been myself. Undoubtedly, readers will look at their aunts with renewed interest as it stirs their consciousness towards those relatives who use the auntly endearment. Share this book with all the aunts in your life. I’m sending this book with a letter of gratitude to my aunt, who epitomizes the aunt as a loving and supportive family member.