Feats and Wisdom of the Ancients

by Time-Life Books

Looks at unusual accomplishments and artifacts of the past, including the Incan quipu, Damascus steel, Greek fire, prehistoric megaliths, and ancient games, calendars, and voyages

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Mythology, Ancient History

143 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Katrin]

what a great book! I read it through quickly and full of excitement. so many things I have never heard of, mind-boggling mysteries of this world! There were many pictures, which is for me one of the most important things. I want to see th things they talk about. The style of the book was very neutral, trying to neither side with any theory or another. The book has chapters about different professions or sciences. I think that some maps to show where some of the mentioned mysteries are situated could have perfected the book. Apart from this I have nothing else to suggest here, this book was a joy to read.

[Ania]

This was a really pleasant book full of photographs and descriptions of the Ancients and their artifacts. I really liked it, however at times it is written in a funny way. What I mean is, the book is nearly entirely about discoveries made prior to when WE think we've made them as a civilization. For example, maps depicting the new world way before the time of Columbus. However, although the book sometimes hints at alternative interpretations to these events and artifacts, they never really commit to such views, which basically leaves everything open-ended. Definately a reflection of the 80s and 90s way of presenting information. These days when you pick a book written post the year 2000, it's either sticking to facts and facts only OR it's a book on alternative interpretations (i.e. books by Graham Hancock). It seems in the decade or so since this book was written everyone chose their path of what stuff really means or could mean. Hence, this book at times CAN come off wishy-washy. Still though, it is quite a fun romp through the ancient times in the vain of the Eyewitness books so popular with children in the 90s.

[P.S. Winn]

Another great book added to my Time Life collection that takes readers into the wisdom of those who came before us.

[Lauri Meyers]

All sorts of weird things from the ancient world- pyramids, stone henge, medical procedures, language, arts, transportation

[Julie]

This book probably falls between 3 and 4 stars. It does have some interesting facts, myths and legends in it, but I dislike how several topics are brought up and then summarily dismissed using phrases like, (and i am paraphrasing here) 'of course, scholars don't believe this to be accurate'....

All in all, I would call this 'lite' reading, but the reader is introduced to some interesting topics none-the-less.

[Aaron]

very enjoyable book to read!

[Barbara Leon]

like the fact that most anyone can read it, and it had quite alot of informative as well as visuals to boot inside.

[Little Timmy]

Excellent fun fact and history book. Time Life always makes for a nice smooth entertaining read. Very recommended

[Hannah French]

Interesting for a browse or read page to page!