Child Atlas: Civilizations

by Antony Mason

Introducing young readers to the major civilizations including the Sumerians, Incas, and Vikings, an oversized text features culture, politics, religion, and a time chart. By the author of The Children's Atlas of Exploration.

96 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

Eighty books – seems a bit excessive, really, even to me. But this is the product of more than twenty years of writing. And I have to say that some authors in my field – illustrated non-fiction – have written twice, even three times, as many.

How did I get here? Well, I worked as an editor with a couple of small publishing companies in London for about ten years (1977–87), and then I turned freelance. Whenever any writing tasks were offered to me, I took them, and so gradually I made the conversion from editor to writer – although I still do both.

I think I always wanted to be a writer, penning short stories as a child. I also have an insatiable curiosity. This is how I’ve ended up in non-fiction, where my magpie instincts to investigate virtually any area of knowledge have served me well.

My primary skill – so I’m told – is to research a subject and then convert it into clear, accessible and engaging text for a general readership, or for children.

I also translate books from French, and write website content.

For a couple of years (2008–10) I was a tutor in writing at Goldsmiths, University of London, working as a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund. Latterly I have been closely involved in the Intergenerational Foundation, which aims to remind government and policy-makers of the need to think for the long-term to ensure an honourable and sustainable legacy to future generations.
Since 2011 I have also been writing as the ‘Brussels expert’ for the Daily Telegraph and the Telegraph online travel website.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oversize book explores ancient civilizations of the world including: Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, and much, much more. Organized by continent with detailed maps.

New Mexico Social Studies Standards:

- Strand: History; Content Standard I; 5-8 Benchmark 1-A New Mexico; Grade 6
- Strand: History; Content Standard I; 5-8 Benchmark 1-B United States; Grade 6
- Strand: History; Content Standard I; 5-8 Benchmark 1-C World; Grade 6
- Strand: Geography; Content Standard II; 5-8 Benchmark 2-B; Grade 6
- Strand: Geography; Content Standard II; 5-8 Benchmark 2-C; Grade 6
- Strand: Geography; Content Standard II; 5-8 Benchmark 2-E; Grade 6
- Strand: Geography; Content Standard II; 5-8 Benchmark 2-F; Grade 6
- Strand: Civics and Government; Content Standard III; 5-8 Benchmark 3-C; Grade 6; 1
- Strand: Civics and Government; Content Standard III; 5-8 Benchmark 3-C; Grade 6; 2
- Strand: Civics and Government; Content Standard III; 5-8 Benchmark 3-D; Grade 6
- Strand: Economics; Content Standard IV; 5-8 Benchmark 4-C; Grade 6

*Available at Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries*

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially picked up this at the library to provide my daughter with an overview of world civilizations. We skimmed through it together, yet I ended up finding it fascinating and a good re-fresh for myself and read it cover to cover.