A Medieval Castle

VOYA

Featuring full-color illustrations accompanied by brief explanations and sidebars, this "Magnifications" series entry joins others on an Ancient Greek temple, a Shakespearean theater, a temple at Jerusalem, a Roman fort, and a tomb. A Medieval Castle describes castle structure and occupants, providing some information on medieval society and knighthood. The writing is awkward, and the author often uses terminology without defining it, such as mentioning a cooper without clarifying the occupation. Because it covers such a broad subject, the book's concepts lack cohesion, and it would benefit from more specific dates and places. The illustrations, however, are better than average for such a resource. This series' technique of lifting or "magnifying" certain portions of the illustrations using black lines is often more distracting than illustrative. Because of the pictorial format, the text is lamentably brief in places, and there is not sufficient background for the subject. For libraries serving patrons with assignments on these topics or for young teens who enjoy the work of David Macaulay or the Cross Sections titles, the illustrations alone make the series a worthwhile purchase. (Magnifications).. VOYA Codes 3Q 3P M (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2003, Peter Bedrick, 48p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Chronology., PLB Ages 11 to 14.
—Caitlin Augusta

Library Journal

Gr 4-8-These British imports offer large pictures on full spreads. Visual enlargements of some of the elements show the smallest details. One or two paragraphs of text accompany the illustrations (including many cutaways), with other information in sidebars, labels, lengthy captions, or in borders of smaller pictures and text. Bergin describes how a castle was built, its different inhabitants, knights and their training, and defending the structure from attack. Morley discusses William Shakespeare, how the Globe was built, costumes and props, the stage, the audience, and more. Quotes from the Bard's plays frame the pages. The detailed color artwork offers a fascinating look at times past. However, not all enlargements significantly add to the information provided. Both books complement more highly acclaimed titles such as David Macaulay's Castle (Houghton, 1977) and Aliki's William Shakespeare and the Globe (HarperCollins, 1999).-Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.