Oxford Children's History of the World [Paperback]

Neil Grant (Author)

Book Description

The whole of human history is here, from the earliest settlement of the world to the beginning of the new millennium, in one sumptuously illustrated and easy to use volume. The essential events of world history are easy to find, because each subject is given its own double page spread. Substantial coverage of each subject is given in the lively narrative text, from a top author of history books for children, backed by a team of expert consultants. This is a new edition with a new cover design and updated text.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Clearly and succinctly written, this one-volume encyclopedia captures the essence of historical time periods in an easy-to-follow format. Introductory pages include specific directions on how to use the book complete with a diagram and a wonderful beginning definition of "What is history?" Organized chronologically from the ancient world through the 20th century, each carefully planned double-page spread begins with a brief paragraph summarizing the subject. Topics touched upon include art and architecture, religion and rulers, and science. Copious drawings, maps, and sidebars further explain information and help readers visualize the era. Many of the photos are of artifacts and historical items. Others are realistic drawings depicting life and events of the time. At the conclusion of each historical division, an illustrated time line covering the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania, and Africa and the Middle East assists in summarizing the information presented. "Who's Who" pages help place names in history. Children will enjoy browsing through this colorful title and will use it mainly for ready reference.

Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

`It covers world history from hunter gatherers, to the end of the twentieth century, in a clearly organised, well-written, and lavishly illustrated volume, printed throughout in full colour.' Tom Monaghan

`Encompassing the whole of human history, this comprehensive book is a great classroom reference tool for the study of any society.' Junior Focus

`History at a glance which also tackles each topic in some depth. Hugely impressive - every child should have one.' Daily Express

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Oxford Childrens (September 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199115745
• ISBN-13: 978-0199115747
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 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: #504,422 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Secular history spine for upper elementary students, August 21, 2007

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Amy (Alexandria, Vatican City State (Holy See)) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Oxford Children's History of the World (Paperback)

The Oxford Children's History of the World by Neil Grant is thinner than I expected (I suppose I ought to have paid more attention to the specs instead of focusing on "Oxford"), but there's a lot of information packed into 180 pages.

It's arranged in the following five sections:

* Ancient World
* Medieval World
* Early Modern World (from Renaissance to North American Colonies)
* Modern World (American Independence to end of 19th century)
* 20th Century.


The first edicion was published in 2000, but the paperback edition of 2005 mentions the World Trade Center and the Indonesian tsunami on the last regular page.

Topics within the sections are presented on two-page spreads with fitting illustrations. At the end of each section are a timeline and a "Who's Who" for the period.

It is very much a secular book. In the "Early Cities" topic of "Ancient Times" it states, "Religious beliefs developed from peopple's need to explain things they did not understand." It was a marked difference from Bauer's Story of the World in which there are times it is difficult to distinguish between myth and fact. The book does not shy away from religious discussion entirely: Another topic in "Ancient Times" discusses the four religions that originated during this time period--Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity. The first sentence on that page states, "In history, religion has been one of the strongest influences on the way people think and behave." The first pages of the Medieval section is devoted to the beginnings of Islam and the Arab empire that was larger than the Roman empire.

I started reading this to my son this evening and he liked it very well--didn't want to put it down at bed time, in fact. He may just pick this one up on its own.

I might consider using some of the activity books for Story of the World for project, map, and additional reading ideas while using History of the World as the spine if I wanted to avoid the Christian bias in the Story of the World. I think some religious households might have an issue with the statements regarding evolution and other secular biases such as those I mentioned earlier. In our house our son is enjoying both descriptions of history.