Customer Reviews

Gladiators

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Along with most other things in our fast spinning world pop-up books have taken so many giant leaps forward that they almost merit a different name, such as a name that encompasses not only pop-ups but everything found in this king size return to ancient Rome, Gladiators.

First, there is a 40 page book covering a day at what was then called a game for both spectators and gladiators. What is surely the world's most eye-popping amphitheater, Rome's Colosseum, unfolds into a spectacular model, and is accompanied by a printed layout allowing us to explore not only the structure but the maze of tunnels running beneath it. Also included is a street map of ancient Rome, Gladiator trading cards, and a favorite Roman game, Tabula.

The cover holding all of these intriguing items measures 10" by 12", and is sturdily bound. Geared for ages 7 and up Gladiators is not only engrossing fun but a learning experience as well.

Steve Noon's illustrations are colorfully lifelike returning us to a time gone by when combatants fought one another in an amphitheater that held 50,000 people who were seated by rank, social class, and gender. Kudos to David Hawcock for amazing paper engineering.

- Gail Cooke