Life Through the Ages

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8 The history of western civiliza tion from prehistoric times to the present is outlined in short, profusely-illustrated chapters. Caselli does a creditable job of listing basic events, but the enormous scope of the book precludes futher elabo ration or analysis. (Van Loon's classic The Story of Mankind Liveright, 1972 offers a more complete history of the world, but its dense text and sparse illus trations target it for an older audience.) There is a slight British tone with empha sis on achievements such as the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the Battle of Waterloo, but this should not detract from its appeal in the United States. There are page references throughout each chapter and a detailed index. The text provides a sketchy but accurate overview of major trends and events, but it is the illustrations that really bring the history alive. Intricately detailed, full- color drawings make up over half of each chapter with one large illustration and several small ones. The captions add immediacy to the text. While not enough information on any one subject for school reports is provided, this is ideal for browsing and may whet readers' in terest in further study. Marguerite F. Raybould, Glendale Public Library, Calif.