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The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia
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The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia
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by Editors of Kingfisher
Sales Rank : 1419
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Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 491 pages
Publisher: Kingfisher; 269 edition September 9, 2004
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0753457849
ISBN-13: 978-0753457849
Product Dimensions:
11 x 8.4 x 1.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.9 pounds
From School Library Journal
Grade 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
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
Designed to help students ages 8-14 with homework or a school project, this revised and updated book is also an interesting and enjoyable resource to browse. Organized chronologically and then thematically, the encyclopedia divides history into 10 time periods, from "The Ancient World 40,000-500 B.C." to "The Modern World 1950-Present Day." This last section concludes with the "War on Terror" and has information current to 2003.
Each section begins with a two-page spread showing "The World at a Glance," a map, and brief text highlighting events that were occurring on each continent during the period. This is followed by approximately 20 one- or two-page topical entries. Non-Western cultures are represented. For example, "The Renaissance" includes entries on the Aztecs, Safavid Persia, Japan and China, and the Songhay Empire. In addition to text, entries have boxes showing key dates, a running time line at the top of each page, maps, and numerous illustrations, almost all of them in color. Each large chronological section concludes with a series of pages that give overviews of the arts, architecture, and science and technology. A highly useful ready-reference section at the end of the volume provides the names and dates of a variety of rulers (for example, Roman emperors, popes, kings and queens, presidents, prime ministers) and ancient Egyptian and Chinese dynasties. A list of major wars and a brief listing of Web sites are also provided.
Students will find this tool useful and engaging, and adults will enjoy browsing through it as well. School and public libraries will want to purchase this update and circulate older editions. Shauna Yusko
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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