Customer Reviews

Encyclopedia of World History (Children's Reference)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I used this book not only for 6th graders who are studying world history but with 9th and 10 th graders too. It is easy to understand and a great resource for students who have trouble comprehending their textbooks. It is user friendly and fun to read.

I bought this book for my seven year old for his birthday, since he had told me that he really wanted to learn about history.

I was very surprised and a bit disappointed when it arrived since it is a very small book with very small writing. However, it turned out to be a good thing since its a really nice size for him to read in bed and he has become very attatched to it (He is a very advanced reader, probably 3rd or 4th grade level).

I have also found myself dipping into it and not wanting to put it down. It summarizes events in history and puts them in context very well. I have found many new facts and have been able to see connections between them.

This book is a good basic reference I use for my Kindergartener. It seems to inlcude a lot of subjects and allows me to answer his simple questions that come up at his level. For example, he heard something (maybe on TV?) about the Black Death and aske dme what it was. I was able to look it up and give him a few more details than what I could remember off the top of my head and show him some nice color pictures of rats!

Note - the cover of my 2009 edition of this book is the same as is illustrated here, as is the author and the number of pages, but the book is smaller, only 4.5x6 inches rather than the 8.5x10.7 inches listed in the description. Judging from the comments of previous reviewers, which also note the small size of the book, I suspect that it is the same one as the one they are reviewing. I believe that there are at least two editions of this book, exactly the same, except for the size.

The text of the book is written in a straightforward manner and in my opinion at middle school level or above, but no reader should feel "talked down to", regardless of they level of historical background, it is just that the more complex nuances have been dispensed with in favor of a more direct approach. In addition to the over 1000 illustrations included in the book there is a timeline at the bottom of each page that summarizes the topic being covered. These topics (there are over 100 of them) cover more than just European history - they also include that of South America, Africa, the Pacific Islands and Asia. There is also a master timeline at the back of the book that summarizes the events occurring concurrently all over the world.

I bought copies of this book for my grandchildren (they were almost being given away as remainders). The small size of the book and the print is a problem for me, but as has been noted by another reviewer should not be for them. (I have yet to give the books to them as they are still too young.) Children, and I suspect many adults, will find it a nice summary, although a bit of a superficial one.