Escape from Earth (Voyages Through Time) [Hardcover]

Peter Ackroyd (Author)

Book Description

Series: Voyages Through Time

As soon as humankind had conquered the Earth, the race to explore the final frontier began. Space has always held a unique fascination for humans and, during the 20th century, it finally became possible for us to look beyond our planet for the first time. This book tells the incredible story of our journey into space. With illustrated pages, information boxes and reference sections that complement the narrative, you will meet pioneering scientists and brave astronauts, discover extraordinary technology and explore amazing landscapes. Your imagination will soar above the familiar world and voyage into the unknown, where you will catch a glimpse of the most spectacular sight of all - the future.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up–This companion to The Beginning (DK, 2003) is a visual and factual delight. The author details man's exploration of space, both past and present, and speculates on future developments. In addition to a chronology of events, there are profiles of significant astronauts and scientists who have contributed to space and technology history. Exquisite full-color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations fill the pages, lending visual interest to the well-written text. A reference section gives detailed facts about space exploration, the Moon landings, spacecraft, and our planets and galaxy. The beautiful way in which the text and photos are merged pulls readers in. Even the cover looks nearly three-dimensional and is sure to attract attention. While the text is substantial and will serve the research needs of students, the book is interesting enough to entice even reluctant readers. The only disappointment is that no source notes, bibliography, or list for further reading is provided.–Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 7-10. From the Voyages through Time series, this large-format book presents the history of space travel and discusses its future. British writer Ackroyd offers both a sweeping vision of what has been achieved and a great deal of interesting detail about specific space missions. Although the book includes discussion of the dynamics of international politics at the beginning of space exploration that led to a leap forward in technology and exploration, the main emphasis is on the missions themselves. Beginning with Yuri Gagarin's orbit of earth, Ackroyd presents the space age with a fine balance of technology and humanity. The many colorful photos and diagrams illustrate the text with clarity, beauty, and occasional drama and humor. Back matter includes a glossary and a six-page Reference Section that uses charts and small print to pack in facts about missions, satellites, space stations, moon landings, spacecraft, and more. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Child's H/B (September 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405300337
• ISBN-13: 978-1405300339
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Offers considerable appeal for readers of all ages, May 3, 2004

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voyages Through Time: Escape From Earth (Hardcover)

Space has always held a fascination for mankind, and Peter Ackeroyd's Voyages Through Time: Escape From Earth provides an easy introduction to human journeys into space, packing in the illustrated pages of information boxes and reference material. This could easily have also been featured in our Children's Bookwatch, but Voyages Through Time deserves mention and recommendation for a wider audience than just a young adult readership alone, as it offers considerable appeal for readers of all ages.