Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent (Looking Back) [Library Binding]

John Malam (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Series: Looking Back

Describes ancient Mesopotamia, now located in present-day Iraq, and traces its history, technological innovations, people, and culture from 10,000 to 539 B.C.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-This useful title traces the evolution of the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians from prehistoric peoples to agrarian village cultures to flourishing empires. Individual chapters concentrate on government, religion, arts, sciences, and the rise of the Persian Empire. Competently written with useful information for reports, this cultural history is well organized and clearly stated. Maps and full-color reproductions and photographs of artifacts and ruins help make the presentation attractive and easy to understand. For those wanting more extensive information, Pamela F. Service's Mesopotamia (Benchmark, 1998) and Elaine Landau's The Assyrians, The Babylonians, and The Sumerians (all Millbrook, 1997) offer good solid information for the same age group.
Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukee, OR
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 63 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann Library (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081725434X
• ISBN-13: 978-0817254346
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,991,181 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Malam attended the University of Birmingham before working in publishing. He is now a writer and editor with over 20 years experience in producing books for children. He lives in Cheshire with his family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mesopotamia and the Fertile Cresent -excellent resource, January 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent (Looking Back) (Library Binding)

Our Lower School curriculum includes the study of Ancient Civilizations. This is the first book I've seen in ten years which is well written and attractive. The text is factual and current, with outstanding picture choices. The format is appealing, with important areas receiving extra attention in color coded boxes called "A Closer Look." The information is written on a level which elementary age children will understand, yet it will still hold the interest of older students. As a teacher, I love the back of the book, which includes a timeline and suggestions for further reading. I am hoping to add this book to our curriculum.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a great starting point but, lacks some important details, March 23, 2008

By 

D. Goodpasture (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent (Looking Back) (Library Binding)

This book is geared toward a middle school audience but I would recommend it to adults as well. It's not too watered down or overly complicated. The author makes an effort to include all aspects of ancient life in Mesopotamia. The selections of photos and maps are excellent. Also it starts at the very beginning of known human habitation in the area. I also liked it that Biblical history is mentioned as many of the Biblical stories take place in larger area surrounding Mesopotamia, referred to as The Fertile Crescent. This book mentions extra-Biblical corroborating evidence, of the miracles and The Flood, particularly in relation to the Gilgamesh Epic. I was particularly impressed by the mention of a priestess and scribe, named Enheduanna, who lived about 4,500 years ago. Before Abraham came on the scene people of The Fertile Crescent mostly worshipped goddesses, like Innana. I would like to have read a bit more about the status of women in ancient Mesopotamia.

I have just a few complaints about this book: The author explains but does not make it absolutely crystal clear that Mesopotamia was a place, not a nation or particular ethnic group. I could see how this might cause confusion for those unfamiliar with the concept. After all, a lot of people don't understand that AIDS and HIV are not exactly the same thing.

It was never explained the why the author chose to go with "Nebuchadrezzar" instead of "Nebuchadnezzer." I vaguely remember reading in some other source an explanation for the different spellings, but don't remember it. It would have been helpful if the author had explained it. Also I read recently that scholars have declared "Hammurapi" to be the new correct spelling of "Hammurabi." In spite of mentioning Biblical historical connections to the area what is glaringly absent is any mention of Abraham, the patriarch of three major world religions! Abraham was from the ancient city of Ur and traveled extensively in The Fertile Crescent. That's a pretty big detail to leave out. Also left out is any mention of the Biblical Esther in the chapter on the rise of Persian power. The author does mention that it was Cyrus who allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. According to Biblical legend Cyrus is said to be a descendant of Esther and I just think that's an important detail to have left out. It's also not mentioned that the Jews returned to Jerusalem to build the Second Temple. With all the news stories about fighting over Jerusalem, particularly the Temple Mount, that might be a helpful detail for people to know. I still highly recommend this book as a primer. I would also recommend Innana: From the Myths of Ancient Sumer by Kim Echlin.