by Chris Grabenstein
School Library Journal
: Gr 4-7-- Within the confines of the double-page topic treatment, these titles do a highly creditable job of exploring their perspective subjects. Both are clearly written, culturally well balanced, and logically organized. Perhaps most importantly, they are visually appealing and likely to attract even the most reluctant reader. The time frame is noted on each spread, and although not strictly chronological, the coverage generally moves forward incrementally. Nicely keyed maps and diagrams are interspersed throughout to illustrate population movements, invasions, and the like. A fine mixture of well-captioned drawings and photographs are included; they illustrate and, in some cases, expand on the main points discussed in the texts. Chronologies that compare major developments in four geographic areas are appended. Gregory offers a splendid discussion of written history and how the Dark Ages got that name. Oliphant begins with an explanation of human evolution, moves through the early farmers and settlements to the rise of the major empires, and ends at about 200 B.C. Both books will be useful as jumping-off points rather than a primary report-writing resources. While by no means essential purchases, they will be fine additions to most collections. --Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions Inc. Terms
School Library Journal
: Gr 4-7-- Within the confines of the double-page topic treatment, these titles do a highly creditable job of exploring their perspective subjects. Both are clearly written, culturally well balanced, and logically organized. Perhaps most importantly, they are visually appealing and likely to attract even the most reluctant reader. The time frame is noted on each spread, and although not strictly chronological, the coverage generally moves forward incrementally. Nicely keyed maps and diagrams are interspersed throughout to illustrate population movements, invasions, and the like. A fine mixture of well-captioned drawings and photographs are included; they illustrate and, in some cases, expand on the main points discussed in the texts. Chronologies that compare major developments in four geographic areas are appended. Gregory offers a splendid discussion of written history and how the Dark Ages got that name. Oliphant begins with an explanation of human evolution, moves through the early farmers and settlements to the rise of the major empires, and ends at about 200 B.C. Both books will be useful as jumping-off points rather than a primary report-writing resources. While by no means essential purchases, they will be fine additions to most collections. --Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions Inc. Terms
School Library Journal
: Gr 4-7-- Within the confines of the double-page topic treatment, these titles do a highly creditable job of exploring their perspective subjects. Both are clearly written, culturally well balanced, and logically organized. Perhaps most importantly, they are visually appealing and likely to attract even the most reluctant reader. The time frame is noted on each spread, and although not strictly chronological, the coverage generally moves forward incrementally. Nicely keyed maps and diagrams are interspersed throughout to illustrate population movements, invasions, and the like. A fine mixture of well-captioned drawings and photographs are included; they illustrate and, in some cases, expand on the main points discussed in the texts. Chronologies that compare major developments in four geographic areas are appended. Gregory offers a splendid discussion of written history and how the Dark Ages got that name. Oliphant begins with an explanation of human evolution, moves through the early farmers and settlements to the rise of the major empires, and ends at about 200 B.C. Both books will be useful as jumping-off points rather than a primary report-writing resources. While by no means essential purchases, they will be fine additions to most collections. --Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions Inc. Terms
School Library Journal
: Gr 4-7-- Within the confines of the double-page topic treatment, these titles do a highly creditable job of exploring their perspective subjects. Both are clearly written, culturally well balanced, and logically organized. Perhaps most importantly, they are visually appealing and likely to attract even the most reluctant reader. The time frame is noted on each spread, and although not strictly chronological, the coverage generally moves forward incrementally. Nicely keyed maps and diagrams are interspersed throughout to illustrate population movements, invasions, and the like. A fine mixture of well-captioned drawings and photographs are included; they illustrate and, in some cases, expand on the main points discussed in the texts. Chronologies that compare major developments in four geographic areas are appended. Gregory offers a splendid discussion of written history and how the Dark Ages got that name. Oliphant begins with an explanation of human evolution, moves through the early farmers and settlements to the rise of the major empires, and ends at about 200 B.C. Both books will be useful as jumping-off points rather than a primary report-writing resources. While by no means essential purchases, they will be fine additions to most collections. --Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions Inc. Terms
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