Bodies from the Bog [Hardcover]

James M. Deem (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 1998 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

In 1952, Danish workmen digging in a peat bog made an astonishing discovery. Their shovels struck the head of a dead man, his face flattened by the weight of the peat and his skin as brown as the earth in which he lay. Who was he and how had he come to be there? Scientists examined him and learned the answers to these questions and many more, including how he died and even what he ate on his last day. In this fascinating glimpse into the world of the bog people, Deem explains to readers who those people were, how they lived, what they believed, and how peat bogs preserve bodies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fascinating, if gruesome, look at the history and science of preserved human remains uncovered in peat bogs in Ireland, England, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. Discoveries of bog mummies, skeletons, and body fragments are described, as are the scientific methods of investigating them. One chapter also details other items found in the bogs , while another describes the ecology of the bogs. Although the dating and causes of death are difficult to ascertain precisely, various clues enable scientists to assign specific periods between 4500 b.c. and 1500 a.d. during which the bodies were deposited in the bogs, and to make likely guesses about the nature of the deaths. Some of the victims seem to have been sacrificed, while others show signs of stabbing or hanging. The text is both engaging and accessible, and the starkly dramatic photographs are given dignity by the spacious and understated page design." Horn Book

"For budding archaeologists, or any child interested in exploring scientific mysteries, James Deem's straightforward text and superior choice of photographs (many of them taken at the sites where naturally mummified bog bodies have been found) unfold a compelling story of Iron Age Man." Parent's Choice (R)

"Deem's carefully researched photo-essay examines the newest information on these remarkable finds and pieces it with other known facts to present as clear a picture of [Iron Age] people as possible under the circumstances. Some are obviously sacrificial victims; others may be guilty of some crime or act punishable by death. The bodies themselves, in various stages of preservation and decay, whisper down the ages in half-heard, almost indecipherable voices, hinting at religious beliefs and justice codes unknown to us. A chapter on the bogs themselves gives readers a clear understanding of this unusual preservation process, and the whole is lavished with crisp full-color photos (and sepia-toned historical ones). Obviously the high 'ick' factor here will attract cursory attention, but [this book] should motivate some intense and extremely interesting research." School Library Journal, Starred

"Deem begins with the discovery of a man buried in a peat bog near Grauballe, Denmark; originally thought to be an accident victim of the last century, he turned out to be a sacrifice victim from 2,000 years ago. Deem goes on, in an exceptionally well-organized and riveting text, to describe other early peoples of Europe and how they were preserved in bogs. He also clearly explains the make-up of the bogs and their preservation qualities. Most striking here, however, are the color and black-and-white photographs that appear on every page.There are excellent photos of artifacts and scientific procedure, but it is the pictures of the mummies themselves that mesmerize. Startling in their clarity, it is impossible not to look at these pictures and wonder about the people shown in them." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

About the Author

James M. Deem is the author of numerous books for young readers, including 3 NB of Julian Drew. Mr. Deem lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona. His newest book is Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Rediscovery of the Past..

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (March 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395857848
• ISBN-13: 978-0395857847
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,343,915 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James M. Deem is the author of numerous books of nonfiction and fiction, including the 2009 Sibert Honor Book, Bodies from the Ice: Melting glaciers and the recovery of the past.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he moved to Tucson, Arizona, with his family when he was eleven. He earned a Bachelor's degree in language arts from the University of Kansas followed by a master's degree and a doctorate in reading education at the University of Michigan. For twenty-seven years, he taught reading and study skills to underprepared college students. He once again lives in Tucson with his wife Susan and now writes fulltime.

His most recent books include the award-winning series: Bodies from the Bog, Bodies from the Ash, and Bodies from the Ice.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bringing bog bodies back to life, December 5, 1999

By 

Caroline (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bodies from the Bog (Hardcover)

A mummified corpse and eerie bog haunt the front cover of this non-fiction treasure, beckoning readers inside to discover what "Bodies from the Bog" are all about. Deem chose his subject wisely, for children are known for their fascination with the unknown, in this case, the mysterious world of people who lived up to 5,500 years ago. Reporting on natural mummies and other artifacts that have been discovered in the bogs of Germany, Denmark, England, Ireland, and the Netherlands, Deem explores the scientific processes that go into researching and preserving the bodies, also describing how peat acts as a natural "mummifying" agent. Grauballe Man, for instance, discovered in Denmark in 1952, disclosed what his final meal had been through the contents of his intestines, the wounds causing his death enabled archeologists to infer that he had been a human sacrifice. Deem's research took him to almost all the museums currently exhibiting bog bodies and connected him with Dr. Wijnand Sanden, considered today's premier bog body expert. Deem brings bog bodies back to life with his engaging and accessible text. Accompanying captivating photographs, though sometimes grotesque, were taken by Deem himself. For example, by two close-up photographs of Tollmund Man, Deem writes, "The Tollmund Man had been hanged. Despite the circumstances of his death, the face of the Tollmund Man is still peaceful and at rest." The photographs, including text-enhancing photo-captions, will captivate middle-school-age readers as well as adults.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars yuck!, December 8, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Bodies from the Bog (Hardcover)

This book is very interesting. It has [lots of descriptionsabout people -just what I needed to keep my attention. My favorite part [are allthe descriptions]. This book is interesting and you won't get it from your parents because they will be majorly grossed out... hopefully not YOU! I recommend this book to kids who don't like to read much because this one will keep you awake for weeks.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Facts., August 30, 2010

By 

Reading for School - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bodies from the Bog (Paperback)

This book was for my 11 year old son. It had great photos and was easy for him to read.The facts are very interesting.