Overview
Maps, charts, illustrations, and text explore the history and culture of the Middle Ages.Maps, charts, illustrations, and text explore the history and culture of the Middle Ages.
Synopsis
Maps, charts, illustrations, and text explore the history and culture of the Middle Ages.
Julie Watkins - VOYA
In addition to death and taxes, another inevitability of life is that those of middle school age will be called upon to write reports about ancient times. To librarians and media specialists, the search for interesting and complete sources remains a challenge. Fortunately, this revised seven-book "Cultural Atlas for Young People" series of cultural atlases is replete with enough colorful maps, time lines, photographs, and illustrations to satisfy even the most finicky student. Works about Greece, America, Rome, Africa, and the first civilizations accompany these volumes. Having different authors ensures that each book in the series will have diverse styles while maintaining the general purpose of providing insight into and information about each civilization. Some books offer slightly more detail about the human aspect whereas others concentrate on the technical maps and factual data. All follow the same basic format and contain similar features. The Middle Ages is divided into two main sections, the general development of the European empire and a detailed narrative of the individual countries comprising this empire. A gazetteer and index assist in sifting through the multitude of maps and subjects covered. Popular topics such as the Crusades, Vikings, and Barbarians are explored in more depth, and a two-page table of dates offers an overview of the period at a glance. The sheer number of topics contained within each book makes for a better overview than an inclusive reference source for those researching a specific aspect of a civilization. In addition, the geographic and other detail found could be daunting for a younger or less experienced student and might require someguidance. Those of middle and junior high school level will be better prepared to use this wonderful resource most efficiently. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2003, Facts on File, 96p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Further Reading. Chronology., $35 PLB. Ages 11 to 15.
Editorials
Children's Literature
AGERANGE: Ages 10 to 14.The Middle Ages remains one of the most distant and least understood periods in human history. In fact, for many people, the daily lives of human beings who lived in the Middle Ages is so seemingly alien that it is difficult to identify with those predecessors. Yet, men, women, and children who lived during the roughly one thousand years that encompassed the medieval era had basic dreams and wants not radically dissimilar to modern day people. What was so different, and is capably encapsulated in this book that is part of the illustrated "Cultural Atlas for Young People" series, was the difference in perception that people in the Middle Ages possessed. Living in an age of intense and unquestioning religious faith, the vast majority of medieval residents had no concept of scientific method, rationalism, or literacy. These ‘dark ages" were controlled by a minority of nobles epitomized by divine rights monarchs. It is this unusual world that Mike Corbishley presents in this image-filled work. As in the case of other books in this series the book is divided into two parts. First, readers are introduced to cardinal factors involved in medieval life. Then, in part two, a cultural geography of the era is presented with a focus on local customs in various areas. Taken as a whole, and wonderfully augmented by the many illustrations, this is a valuable work and one that will offer youngsters insights into a world of distant memory. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
VOYA
In addition to death and taxes, another inevitability of life is that those of middle school age will be called upon to write reports about ancient times. To librarians and media specialists, the search for interesting and complete sources remains a challenge. Fortunately, this revised seven-book "Cultural Atlas for Young People" series of cultural atlases is replete with enough colorful maps, time lines, photographs, and illustrations to satisfy even the most finicky student. Works about Greece, America, Rome, Africa, and the first civilizations accompany these volumes. Having different authors ensures that each book in the series will have diverse styles while maintaining the general purpose of providing insight into and information about each civilization. Some books offer slightly more detail about the human aspect whereas others concentrate on the technical maps and factual data. All follow the same basic format and contain similar features. The Middle Ages is divided into two main sections, the general development of the European empire and a detailed narrative of the individual countries comprising this empire. A gazetteer and index assist in sifting through the multitude of maps and subjects covered. Popular topics such as the Crusades, Vikings, and Barbarians are explored in more depth, and a two-page table of dates offers an overview of the period at a glance. The sheer number of topics contained within each book makes for a better overview than an inclusive reference source for those researching a specific aspect of a civilization. In addition, the geographic and other detail found could be daunting for a younger or less experienced student and might require someguidance. Those of middle and junior high school level will be better prepared to use this wonderful resource most efficiently. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2003, Facts on File, 96p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Further Reading. Chronology., $35 PLB. Ages 11 to 15.—Julie Watkins