The Palace of Versailles

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up--It's contradictory to write a book about a notable palace and then provide small, dark, dull illustrations. The topic cries out for pictures that are visually appealing, preferably large and in color. The serviceable writing doesn't help matters; though adequate, it is not compelling or even interesting. Although this series supposedly combines history, architecture, science, and biography, Versailles is primarily a description of the structure, and it quickly becomes tedious. The volume contains a few maps, a time line, a much condensed glossary, and an annotated list for further reading of adult books far livelier than this title. While there are errors and omissions throughout, Barter makes two glaring mistakes in the last chapter that call the entire text into question (Madame de Pompadour was Louis XV's mistress, not his wife; Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were executed nine months apart, not on the same day). Overall, an unworthy effort.--Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY