The Great Pyramid: The story of the farmers, the god-king and the most astonding structure ever built (Wonders of the World Book) [Paperback]

Elizabeth Mann (Author), Laura Lo Turco (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Wonders of the World Book

Here's the story of the Great Pyramid and the people who built it. In the author's telling, the Old Kingdom comes alive: a nation of farmers living on the green edge of a harsh desert with a king who was a god in life and in death. Tens of thousands of farmers left home each year to chisel hard stone without iron tools and move 10-ton blocks up steep grades without the use of a wheel, all to the glory of the Pharaoh.

Wonders of the World series

The winner of numerous awards, this series is renowned for Elizabeth Mann's ability to convey adventure and excitement while revealing technical information in engaging and easily understood language. The illustrations are lavishly realistic and accurate in detail but do not ignore the human element. Outstanding in the genre, these books are sure to bring even the most indifferent young reader into the worlds of history, geography, and architecture.

"One of the ten best non-fiction series for young readers."
- Booklist

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6. Two eye-catching titles that feature an informative mix of historical reproductions, striking illustrations, and clearly presented texts. Each book opens with an attention-grabbing fictional scene. The Brooklyn Bridge begins on the Fulton Ferry, where John Roebling and his son discuss the need for a more efficient method of crossing the East River. The design, step-by-step construction, personalities involved, multiple setbacks, and ultimate completion of this New York City landmark are all presented in a readable narrative, supported by diagrams and dramatic illustrations. In the first pages of The Great Pyramid, an enthusiastic farm boy leaves his small village to help construct the tomb of the pharaoh Khufu. The book touches briefly on the religious beliefs and social structure of ancient Egypt, while focusing on Khufu's reign and the construction and design of his 50-story monument. The full-page paintings are stunning; touched with tones of gold and textures that reflect a desert setting, they point to the mystery of this ancient civilization. Captioned, full-color photos of artifacts also enhance the well-written text. Both of these beautifully designed titles include fold-out sections that give readers a sense of the size of these structures. Although they include enough information for homework assignments, these books are a browser's paradise.?Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

Conveys the story as adventure without ever resorting to melodrama and explores the history and architecture... in highly readable form. (Booklist )

[Starred review:] Eye-catching... beautifully designed. (School Library Journal )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Mikaya Press (February 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931414114
• ISBN-13: 978-1931414111
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #351,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Middle East
  • #12 in Books > Children's Books > History > Middle East
  • #14 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Architecture

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great intro to pyramids, September 28, 2008

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M. Desmond - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Great Pyramid: The story of the farmers, the god-king and the most astonding structure ever built (Wonders of the World Book) (Paperback)

We used this book in our homeschool studies of Ancient Egypt. This book is well written and nicely illustrated with a combination of vibrant watercolors and actual photographs. The middle of the book has a fold out panel that shows what the construction site of the Great Pyramid at Giza would have likely looked like. This book does a great job of explaining the spiritual significance of the pyramids as well as the changes in culture their construction brought to the Egyptian people. If you are looking for a book that explains exactly HOW the pyramids were built I higly suggest David Macaulay's book Pyramid. This amazing book uses hand drawn diagrams to explain how each level of the actual pyramid was built as well as the adjacent temples. AMAZING. While The Great Pyramid by Mann is easily understood by elementary students, they may need a little help understanding parts of Maculay's. The two books together provide a thorough understanding of these archaelogical wonders.