Ancient Greece

School Library Journal

As a picture-book introduction to ancient Greece, this book succeeds in acquainting young readers with some of the major events, places, and people of that civilization. Legends of the labyrinth of Knossos, Troy, and Atlantis are explained by the discoveries of Schliemann, Evans, and more recent scientific finds. Also, the book points out how some aspects of early culture came about, such as rituals involving the worship of Dionysus evolving into later Greek theater. Text and illustrations are well matched, creating an attractive, colorful blend. However, for an elementary introduction to a major civilization not to include even a rudimentary map is a serious flaw. Unless readers are well versed in geography, they cannot comprehend Greece's relationship to the rest of the ancient world or the significance of Alexander's military accomplishments. Sometimes too little information is more confusing than too much. Judith Crosher's The Greeks (Silver Burdett, 1977) is better organized and more comprehensive.-- Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukie, OR