Pyramids [Hardcover]

Anne Millard (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

From the ancient ziggurats of Mespotamia and the steep pyramids of the Maya to the modern wonders of today, the engrossing text and beautifully detailed pictures of Pyramids provides a through historical overview of all types of pyramids. This meticulously illustrated reference also reveals how these awe-inspiring structures were constructed, what was kept inside them, and why they were so important to the different societies that produced them. An illustrated glossary and index help make this an even more enjoyable and easy-to-use reference.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up?This book reveals that there are many different kinds of pyramids?even within Egypt?built at different times by different civilizations. It includes one of the best descriptions of how the Egyptian pyramids were actually made, from the cutting of the gargantuan stone blocks to the maneuvering involved to lodge them in their resting spots. Millard provides detailed information about the Egyptians' technologies as well as their religion and lifestyle. She includes a fictionalized account of a worker to emphasize the human aspect of erecting such monolithic structures. There's also lots of information about American pyramids, though less on those in North America than those in South and Central America. The Maya pyramids, the floating capital city of the Aztecs, and the building styles of the Incas and the Moche are all covered. Modern structures are touched upon, too, such as the Louvre expansion and the Transamerica pyramid in San Francisco. By combining well-captioned, clear, full-color illustrations and an engrossing narrative, this book teaches in the best way?by showing and explaining. Though your library may have many titles on the subject, this one covers areas they don't in a way that both browsers and researchers will gobble up.?Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-6. Millard's examination of pyramids is sure to be popular: the nicely designed, oversize format; attractive, full-color illustrations; and concise, clearly written text are very appealing. Millard's own interest in Egypt is evident, as more than half the book is devoted to Egyptian pyramids from all three kingdoms. She provides a wealth of information on their design, construction, and purpose, as well as on ancient funerary practices and the workers' roles. Far less detailed information is supplied for pyramids in the Americas, and a single double-page spread covers pyramids in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Although unfamiliar terms are defined in the text, an illustrated glossary provides additional information. Chris Sherman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher; 1st Amer. ed edition (April 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856976742
• ISBN-13: 978-1856976749
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,229,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars informative, detailed info on tombs & temples of 4 cultures, May 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Pyramids (Hardcover)

This book tells a lot about about mummifying and how the pyramid complex was arranged. It also shows various forms of writing by the various cultures. It had lots of information and very detailed pictures, so I can get a real picture of it in my mind even though I've never been to Giza or Peru or Mexico. My favorite page was the one about how the Egyptians mummify people, because I just like how they preserved bodies, because it was neat and clever and really worked. About the Aztec pyramids in the Americas, I liked the Tenochtitlan floating city/island, and the Chinampas which were floating gardens. The whole book was great! age 7.5