Industrial Revolution

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

New additions to the photographic "Living History" series never disappoint. Industrial Revolution contains breathtaking photographs and a fact filled text that brings history to life. Costumed actors reenact scenes from the past. There is a timeline, maps and index to increase the utility for educational settings, but the books are also ideal just for browsing.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-The combination of dramatic photography and a clear, well-written text makes this period truly come to life. The great changes that took place as industry replaced agriculture as the main economic activity, machines replaced hand labor, trade increased, financial institutions grew, coal replaced wood as the fuel of choice, and child labor became an essential element in the work force are all related. The book makes clear that these changes did not improve the lives of most workers. Outgrowths of the Industrial Revolution, such as the waves of European immigrants into the U.S. in search of a better life, the rise of trade unions, socialism, child welfare laws, and compulsory education are included. This readable account concludes with a discussion of historical sources and the difficulties in interpreting them when they conflict. The photographs are outstanding. Many are full-color enactments that use models in period costumes, while others are reproductions from library and museum archives. A fascinating glimpse into the late 18th-and early 19th-century.-Eunice Weech, M.L. King Elementary School, Urbana, IL