ANNOTATION

A reference guide to world history, featuring a timeline, key date boxes, and biographies of historical figures.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

What was the Black Death? Who fought in the Hundred Years' War? What do people mean by the Counter-Reformation? With its simple chronological and thematic arrangement, The Concise Kingfisher History Encyclopedia puts the whole of history, and the legacy of human civilization - from the Ice Age to the Information Age - at the fingertips of today's children. Divided into ten clearly defined time periods (from 40,000 B.C. to the present day), The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia covers every major empire, civilization, revolution, and war, as well as the technological and cultural advances that have left their mark on history. Three colorful spreads at the end of each section are devoted to the Art, Architecture, and Science and Technology of each major time period. A comprehensive index, and at-a-glance summaries of each period, make this a valuable resource for help with school assignments, as well as for casual browsing. Special Features: Bold headwords, and a concise definition of the subject appear at the top of the page. Text can be read section by section or as a complete article. Illustrated biographies and key date boxes provide essential information. Timeline throughout puts history in context and shows progression of world events.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Newly updated, The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia follows a chronology of civilizations around the globe from "The Ancient World" (including Egypt, Crete, the Shang Dynasty and Babylon) to the present, and show the development of peoples who were often completely separate, culturally and geographically. High-quality photographs depict subjects as diverse as China's Great Wall and Mayan stone carvings from the Yucat n Peninsula; these, along with maps and illustrations complement the meaty text. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

A look at the extensive table of contents lets kids know that this book is filled with stories of people, places, and events that have shaped our world. Ranging from 40,000 years ago to the present, the information is arranged by major time period. At the end of chapters there are special features (two page spreads) that give an overview of the arts, architecture, science and technology of the period. A timeline runs across the top of page and the period under discussion is noted. To illustrate the type of coverage, science and technology for the period 1836 to 1913, there are inventions such as the telephone, zipper, motorcar, light bulb and much more. As readers move forward in time, the time periods get shorter, since there is so much more information to be reported. The text is current and it includes the world's trouble spots, the Middle East War, War on Terror and major environmental issues. More space is devoted to illustrations than text which will help kids understand difficult words and concepts. Readers are also able to see what is happening at the same time in various parts of the world. The "Ready Reference Section" at the end includes lists that are quite unusual such as Egyptian and Chinese Dynasties, Roman Rulers, Popes (now unfortunately out of date), English Rulers, British Prime Ministers, US Presidents, and major wars, to name a few. The Internet links can provide endless hours of even more information about history, art and culture. With 3,500 indexed references and 2,000 full-color illustrations The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia is a good school or home purchase and a great gift for students and anyone with a thirst for knowledge. If you have the previousedition—there may not be enough new information to justify replacement if funds are really tight, but at the current cost why not get the latest version. 2004 (orig. 1998), Kingfisher, Ages 8 to 14.

Children's Literature - Childrens Literature

A look at the extensive table of contents lets kids know that this book is filled with stories of people, places, and events that have shaped our world. Ranging from 40,000 years ago to the present, the information is arranged by continent or area of the world. At the end of chapters there are special features (two page spreads) that give an overview of the arts, architecture, science and technology of the period. A timeline runs across top of page and the period under discussion is noted. To illustrate the type of coverage, science and technology for the period 1601 to 1707 reveals that the telescope, thermostat, barometer, air pump, thermometer and much more were invented. As readers move forward in time the time periods get shorter, since there is so much more information to be reported. The text is current and it includes the worlds trouble spots, an account of the Middle East War, and major environmental issues. More space is devoted to illustrations than text which will help kids understand difficult words and concepts. The Ready Reference Section at the end includes lists that are quite unusual such as Egyptian and Chinese Dynasties, Roman Rulers, Popes, English Rulers, British Prime Ministers, US Presidents, and major wars to name a few. With 3,500 indexed references and 2,000 full-color illustrations The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia is a good school or home purchase and a great gift for students and those with a thirst for knowledge. 1999, Kingfisher, Ages 9 up, $39.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot