Greek and Roman Science

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8Two worthwhile series entries that are clearly and concisely written. Black-and-white illustrations enhance the texts, and the sidebars are informative and interesting. Mythology condenses well-known tales such as Cyclops and Oedipus, starting with the creation of the Gods. It explains what myths are and where they come from, how they were an integral part of the early Greek and Roman cultures, and how that has changed. Science explains the basis for modern scientific thought, including what it is and where it began. Nardo gives a brief description of the beginnings of writing, math, medicine, and astronomy. He covers an earlier time period than that found in most juvenile sources such as Ray Spangenburg's The History of Science (Facts On File, 1993) and caters to a much broader age range. An excellent time line maps 3100 B.C. to A.D. 1543. While these books are unlikely to appeal to leisure readers, they're great for research.Evelyn Butrico, Cold Spring Harbor Library, Greenlawn, NY