Lost Worlds [Hardcover]

John Howe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 10, 2009 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

From the world of Aratta and Mohenjo-Daro to Atlantis and Camelot, this visually stunning book is a window with a view that takes readers on an historical, archaeological, and mythological journey through lost worlds, those abandoned in time, buried and forgotten, and the ones that live in the imagination. Attempting to put the most plausible pieces of history together, John Howe, concept artist for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, begins the journey that will move readers to explore these lost worlds even further.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–7—Twenty-four "lost worlds," both legendary and real, are profiled in this dense, pretty book. "World" is interpreted broadly: the author includes civilizations like Atlantis and Babylon; cities such as Pompeii and Teotihuacan; mythical places like Asgard and Mount Olympus; and the island of Rapa Nui, which is not lost, though certainly diminished. Each chapter opens with an atmospheric, tantalizing description of the city or civilization and follows up with a wealth of detail. Howe presents documented fact, accepted theory, and traditional story, distinguishing among them. The text is supported by well-chosen photos of artifacts and reproductions of art, and of course, Howe's sumptuous, panoramic paintings. While this original art is wonderfully dramatic, it has a static, scenic quality that may appeal more to adult fantasy devotees than to children. More pronunciation help would be welcome, and there are no maps. Geographic representation is gratifyingly evenhanded—Mohenjo-Daro, Cahokia, and Uluru are given as much space as well-known sites like Camelot and Troy. Realistically, however, the type is small and the text somewhat dry—kids will enjoy leafing through for the pictures but may not sit down to read it.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
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From Booklist

A large, clear lens embedded in the front cover of this far-ranging browsing title invites readers to step through to a series of quick stops at over two dozen vanished cultures. In no particular order and freely mixing history with myth, Howe slips from the Garden of Eden to Pompeii, Atlantis to Cahokia, Babylon to Faerie, pausing for one to three pages of general remarks about what each was or might have been like, then moving on. He closes with a section of even shorter notes on 35 more real or storied sites. Bringing his experience as a concept artist for the filmed Lord of the Rings (Gandalf—er, Ian McKellan even provides an introduction) to bear, he depicts each featured locale at its height with handsome, dramatic painted tableaux and expert pencil sketches. Like Dugald Steer’s Explorer: A Daring Guide for Young Adventurers (2007), this will be just the ticket for armchair travel. Grades 4-6. --John Peters

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher (November 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753461072
• ISBN-13: 978-0753461075
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,063,565 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but more for kids, December 1, 2009

By 

Parka (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lost Worlds (Hardcover)

Length:: 0:21 Mins

John is one of the two lead artists who worked on The Lord of the Rings film. In his latest book Lost Worlds he explores places, mythical or not, that have fascinated people. Some of the places include Eden, Babylon, Troy, Pompeii, Asgard and more -- 24 in total.

The hardcover has a circular cutout holding a magnifying plastic -- glass would probably break if not handled properly -- peeping into a burning Atlantis. Pretty cool idea.

This is a children book -- says 3+ on the back cover - or a book you would read to children. It's sort of like a National Geographic magazine covering archaeological stories, except there are more stories on mythology. The writeup isn't that technical and stories are not really long either. The art is not some major new creation but a re-interpretation of the places -- think National Geography style art.

This book is recommended to parents with kids, obviously. I didn't realise this is a children book when I bought it. It's not a bad purchase but I'm not the target reader. It's still quite interesting to read.

(More pictures are available on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for what it is, November 14, 2009

By 

Calibandar "calibandar" (Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lost Worlds (Hardcover)

Just got a copy of this lovely hardcover art book with full colour paintings and text by John Howe. Very beautifully made, some interesting locations chosen, ranging from Camelot, Avalon, Asgard and the land of Faerie as Howe imagines it, to ancient Troy, MT. Olympus, Babylon, Knossos etc. Nothing to criticize really, for what it is it's lovely.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All ages will find this a powerful presentation, February 23, 2010

By 

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

This review is from: Lost Worlds (Hardcover)

LOST WORLDS is a gorgeous illustrated presentation covering a range of lost worlds of myth and legend, from Atlantis and Troy to Avalon and more. Tolkien illustrator John Howe's visions offer 24 worlds blending lovely full-page drawings with historic and mythic descriptions on facing pages. All ages will find this a powerful presentation.