Reviews for The Kingfisher history encyclopedia.
Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.
According to the introduction, this book, targeted at ages eight and up, is designed to assist a student with a homework assignment or school project, as well as offer the student a resource that's fun to browse. The book divides history into 10 periods ranging from "The Ancient World 40,000^-500 B.C." through "The Modern World 1950^-2000." Each section provides an introductory map, "The World at a Glance," with information about events that were occurring on each continent. This is followed by approximately 20 thematic entries, each contained on two pages. Information on non-Western civilizations is integrated within each time period. For example, entries in the section "Early Middle Ages" include "Sui and Tang China 589^-907" and "Ghana 700^-1240" as well as "Monasticism 269^-1216" and "The Carolingians 751^-843." There is a time line running continuously at the top of each page. Numerous captioned full-color illustrations assist in understanding the text. Although the emphasis is on history, entries are provided for influential individuals, scientific and technological breakthroughs, and significant artistic movements. Key dates are listed in a box within each entry to provide the reader with a time frame. A concluding ready-reference section lists dynasties, rulers, presidents, popes, and wars in chronological order. A single volume can provide only an overview of the topics covered here. This book gives the basic information and also places each topic within the context of world events. Entries are short and easy to read. The maps are clear and understandable. Students will find this a useful tool for assignments, but adults will find it interesting as well for its integration of cultures in each time period. Recommended for school and public libraries.
School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Gr 5 Up-A broad, illustrated look at the history of humanity. The book is divided into 10 sections, each representing a different time period from 40,000 B.C.E. to the present. All of them begin with a "Glance" at the world for the given dates. Following these brief overviews, double and single-page spreads subdivide the eras into smaller time segments covering topics such as "The Gupta Dynasty A.D. 321-510," "East India Companies 1600-1700," and "Benin and Zimbabwe 1100-1480." The spreads contain a few bite-sized paragraphs of facts, informative captions, and, often, an inset of "Key Dates." They are profusely illustrated with quality black-and-white and full-color photographs, drawings, reproductions, and maps, and feature a helpful time line running across the tops of the pages. Information on art, architecture, and science and technology concludes each section. "Ready Reference" lists the names and dates of the rulers of the major powers throughout history, popes, and major wars. The 12-page index covers the textual material but does not always offer access to captioned information. Although the book will answer some reference questions, its strength lies in its potential to spark interest in any number of subjects among browsers.-Priscilla Bennett, State University of West Georgia, Carrollton (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
The mammoth volume broadly surveys history from the first humans to the new millennium, with an emphasis on multi-year events such as the Industrial Revolution, women's suffrage, and the decline of Spain's power throughout the seventeenth century. Occasional spreads examine art, architecture, and scientific advances within specific eras. Illustrated with reproductions, illustrations, and color photographs, the book includes a helpful ""ready reference"" section. Ind. Reviewed by: pds (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
