The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of the Ancient World

Usborne Encyclopedias

by OM Books Editorial Team

This encyclopaedia traces the extraordinary history of the Ancient World, from the first farmers, and the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome to the eventual decline and fall of the Roman Empire. It covers all aspects of life in the Ancient World - from building the pyramids to a day at the Roman Games. There are photographs of glowing treasures in gold, silver and precious stones, 3000-year-old wall paintings with vivid colours, and blackened, shrivelled mummies, combined with reconstructions and cutaways of architecture, to recreate the atmosphere of the time. Internet links are given to a selection of recommended Web sites, containing additional information for school projects and homework. Many of the Web sites include sound, animation or video clips, which bring the subject to life.

Genres: History, Reference, Nonfiction, Childrens, Ancient History

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2002

Reviews

[Katerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves, and enjoys history, I would recommend this book to not only young students but adults as well. I can not express how much I love ancient history and sometimes it is hard to get into history readings due to the dense books that are out there. That is why I gave the Encyclopedia of the Ancient World a 5/5 star rating not only was the history broken down into perfect sections but it was also fairly easy to follow along.

I loved the explicit detail that went into the photographs as well as the mythology within the books. I couldn't recommend this book enough. If you are looking for a history book that not only is easy to follow along but will enjoy this is the book for you.

[Amy T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our "spine" text for our literature-based study of ancient history through Beautiful Feet books. It covers a wide range of topics for three main eras: Mesopotamian cultures, ancient Greece, and ancient Rome.

[Elif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genel bilgiler edinmek için iyi bir kaynak olabilir. Türkçe çevirisinde noktalama hataları var.

[Emre Onur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ortaokulda alıp birkaç günde bitirdiğim fazlasıyla görselli, basit bir anlatıma sahip ve gündelik yaşamdan tarihe kadar antik dünyanın büyük bir kısmını kapsayan çok ilginç bir çalışma.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

We used this book in connection with Susan Wise Bauer's excellent "Story of the World", which we listened to on audio (see separate review). For our purposes, I would give it 4 stars, as the captivating visual images and internet links were perfect for the enhancement of "Story of the World". However, as a stand alone, I would rank it more in the 3 star range as giving a very basic overview of the ancient world, with some inconsistency in the links.

The gem of this work is the internet links which are updated by Usborne so that you don't have to keep searching for them. Some of the links were advanced beyond our preschool level study, which is wonderful to give us room to grow. Most of the links worked well, but there were a few that we couldn't get to work, or that required annoying installation of additional software.

This book is offered by Scholastic as a stand alone with a red/ orange/ yellow cover. It is also offered as part of a full world history encyclopedia. I've browsed the full world encyclopedia at curriculum sales and I have to say I immensely prefer this format for two reasons: 1) The World Encyclopedia is incredibly bulky for preschool and elementary students to handle, and 2) and far more significant, the World Encyclopedia includes and entire section on origins of mankind that ISN'T history, but more science and philosophy. This is not needed for history, and the large section seemed superfluous and, quite frankly rather annoying, as it presents an evolutionary view with which we are not in agreement. If you want that, great. But if not, stick to buying the little book installments.
-----

Update 2011
In connection with Tapestry of Grace homeschool program, I ordered this book through their bookstore Bookshelf Central.com

I am happy to report that while the cover is the same, this copy lacks the pre-history that I was seeing in other editions. This edition, clocking in at 400 pages, starts with four pages on the internet-linking process and how we discover the past (archeology and history) and then jumps right into "Early Civilizations". Broadly, it covers Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. I do not know of any other way to distinguish it from it's less preferable counterpart.

This resource is an excellent companion to a year of classical study of the ancients. The photographs of actual artifacts are excellent. Colorful presentation and open layouts make it an attractive text for elementary students. For early elementary, we have not used it every week, though I imagine older elementary students will be inclined and ready to do so. Nonetheless, I, being the teacher have been reading it in its entirety (we are only through Mesopotamia and Egypt as of this writing).

Discerning readers will notice that this is basically a western civilization text. Noticeably absent are the rich ancient civilizations of India and China. The Americas (certainly not as advanced as either India or China) are similarly overlooked. This is not a deal breaker, but rather a cause for supplementation of an otherwise excellent resource. Pre-history gibberish removed, I have upgraded it to 4 stars and consider it a home library essential.

---- Update 2012
Very satisfied with this as a primary resource for our completed study of Ancient History. There were, as usual, so points where I wanted to clarify for my son my thinking, but I never agree with anyone or anything all the time. This is a wonderful reference to have on hand for future study, and I still consider it a homeschool essential.

[Aadishesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love History and this book tells about Roman, Greek, Mesopotamian and Egyptian ancient worlds. I liked the Roman history the most because of their leaders. i also liked Greek scholars and Greek Gods and their legends.

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love ancient history so this was great.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not worth having this on the "currently reading" shelf anymore...:P