Full Text Review(s)
[ Group 6 ]-"Striking color photos and informative boxed inserts add interest to this series on world history. In five chapters, each volume covers the history, belief system, cultural history and legacy of the culture. Especially relevant to the student of history is the boxed insert 'If You Lived In....' This chart outlines a comparison of the stages of life in that culture for a boy and a girl at a variety of ages illuminating the values of these cultures. Each volume contains a colorful map, time line, glossary, list of books for further reading and a bibliography. Most of the photos are of famous works of art. Theres are brief excerpts from the literature of the period such as Machiavelli's The Prince ( The Italian Renaissance ) and Christina Rosetti's poem, 'A Birthday' ( Victorian England ). There is a section entitled 'On-Line Information' that lists 4-6 subject-related Web sites. Students of world history will find this set useful for basic information and research on each culture. Index. Recommended."

[ The Byzantine Empire, The Ottoman Empire ]-"These titles cover the rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire and the subsequent domination of the Ottoman Turks. In the first book, the author describes the history, culture, religion, and influences of the empire that lasted from the 4th to the 15th century. The second title traces the nomadic origins of the earliest Turks to the dominance of the Ottomans in the 13th century, the height of power during the reign of Süleyman I in the 16th century, to the dissolution of the empire in 1922. The culture, religion, social system and influence of the Ottomans are also discussed. Both of these informative overviews are clearly written and well organized. Good-quality, attractive, full-color photographs and reproductions of artwork appear throughout both volumes. Well-researched, useful additions for any collection."

[ Japan in the Days of the Samurai ]-"This title focuses on the warrior class of Japan from their rise during the Heian Period (794-1185) to their decline in the 1860s. The author does an excellent job of describing their lives and country during this period. She examines Japanese history, culture, beliefs and society, and the legacy of the samurai. Highlighted, boxed articles add detail. There are numerous quality color photos of current times and reproductions of old masterpieces, all with informative captions. Although most unfamiliar words are explained contextually, there is a three-page glossary. This appealing presentation provides detail and artwork not found in older books on the topic."