Review by Booklist Review
This substantially revised set traces the history of humans, beginning with the first primitive civilizations and continuing through the waning days of the Middle Ages. Ten volumes concentrate on specific geographic areas (western Asia, ancient Greece, Europe, Africa, etc.), and most also deal with defined time periods (ancient times, early Middle Ages, the medieval world). Some volumes, such as the one on northern and central Asia, span the entire time sequence. Information is presented in survey chapters that address specific topics ( Egypt's Old Kingdom, The Wars of the Roses, The Incas ) and average 12 to 15 pages. The writing is fairly sophisticated but should be accessible to students reading at or above middle-school grade levels. Volume-specific features include compact introductory time lines, glossaries, see also references, and brief (one sentence) biographical descriptions of period notables. Volume 11 consists of a comprehensive set index; a series of thematic indexes ( Arts and Culture, Wars and Battles, etc.); resources for further reading (print and online); an inclusive glossary; an overarching time line; and a list of influential historical figures. The most compelling feature of this resource is the more than 1,000 full-color illustrations. The graphic-intense format offers lavish drawings, more than 50 maps, crisp photos of artifacts and archaeological sites, and reproductions of works of art and architecture. These appear on every page. Satisfying, detailed captions accompany the illustrations. Engaging sidebars enhance the article text and add additional visual interest. This set is intended for students in high school and up. Novice researchers may find the chapter structure a little daunting, but the visually appealing layout will encourage investigation. The set features a chronological and regional approach, which does not directly align with the orientation endorsed by national world history standards and curriculum models, but the multiple-access points and manageably sized chapters help organize the content and make it accessible. Recommended for school and public libraries.--McBroom, Kathleen Copyright 2009 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 UpTwelve beautifully designed and logically arranged volumes of information spanning from the beginning of civilization 3.5 billion years ago to 1543, the date considered the terminus of the medieval era. Arranged by topic, then subdivided chronologically, each volume contains thorough articles that are easy to read without being tedious. Exceptional graphical layout adds much more value to the set, as the full-color photographs, charts, maps, and diagrams offer visual links to the text. Each book concludes with a full time line, followed by a detailed glossary and bibliography, and ends with suggestions for further reading and a remarkably complete index. The master index to the set is equally impressive in its attention to detail. This set will become the resource for students seeking information on this time period, making the purchase price an investment in future generations' understanding of ancient and medieval history. A high-priority item for high school libraries.J. B. MacDonald, Milner Library, Illinois State University, Normal, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
