A Roman Villa: Inside Story (Hardcover)

~ (Author), John James (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-- These oversized British imports feature abundant, full-color illustrations; brief snippets of text; and double-page topic treatments that will appeal to reluctant readers. While focusing on the Parthenon, Macdonald discusses religious customs, sacrifices, games, and gods, all of which had some bearing on the purpose, uses, and decorations of Greek temples. Two chapters focus on the people: those who visited the temples, the workers who built them, and the craftsmen who provided the designs and skilled labor. Morley gives readers a description and brief history of A Roman Villa and provides lots of details about the construction, buildings, furnishings, and lifestyles one might expect to find in Italy around the first century A.D. The type of family that would have inhabited a villa is described, as is a typical day. Oddly, the two chapters on slaves are separated by those on "Vines and Olives" and "Wine and Oil." Overall, however, the organization in both titles is adequate. While most illustrations are informative, a few are too small to be helpful. Two attractive books that present an interesting array of information in short, easily digestible bites.
- Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Illustrations and text describe life in the villa of a wealthy family situated in the countryside outside Rome during the first century A.D.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Bedrick (November 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872263606
• ISBN-13: 978-0872263604
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,662,616 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Illustrations Make This Book, August 18, 2006

By	Marco Antonio Abarca (Colorado) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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This review is from: A Roman Villa (Inside Story) (Paperback)

"A Roman Villa" tells the story of a wealthy family who moves into a new villa in central Italy during the Second Century A.D. This book chronicles their lives and also tells the story of the slaves and servants who worked on their estate. It is a simple, well told story that is appropriate for children in the 4-6th grade.

What makes the book are John James' beautiful pen and water color illustrations. He is one of the best illustrators working in children's literature. I spent five dollars for this book on Ebay and it was well worth the purchase price. Recommended.