Reviews (1)

excellent book
this is a great book about the monastic life of the middle ages. It,s not just for young ages alone but for all ages.the pictures as well as the stories are very well presented.If you love medieval history you can not go wrong with this book. highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abbeys    2. Children's All Ages - Religion - Missions    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. England    5. History    6. History - Medieval    7. Institutions & Organizations    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Middle Ages, 600-1500    11. Monasteries    12. Monastic and religious life   

Reviews (2)

A Real Gem
This color, oversized softcover book labels and describes the various parts and fortifications of different types of castles as well as the occupations and lifestyles of the people who lived in and around them.Ideally suited for kids in about grades 4-8 with an interest in castles specifically or medieval life in general. Adults will find it informative and interesting as well, though.
my 5 year old and 7 year old boys love it
wonderful illustrations, reading these books allows my kids to escape back in time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Castles    2. Children's 9-12 - History - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Civilization, Medieval    6. Europe - General    7. General    8. History - Medieval    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Medieval civilization    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / General   

Reviews (3)

Good foundation
Like all the Eyewitness books, the quantity of information in Castle is both its strong point and weak point.We are taken to castles through time as well as in different cultures, and both the architectural and sociological aspects are examined.However, many of the facts and pictures included on a given page seem rather random and do not fit into a coherent general presentation. Not good.
Eyewitness Castles, Medieval Life, Knights: Boring. Eyewitness Castle isn't that good. It is very boring. The water Eyewitness books like Eyewitness SHARK are far more better then Castles, Medieval Life andKnights.

Hooray for Eyewitness Books!
Eyewitness books give readers complete information in short 'blurbs' and captioned pictures.These books are always the firstto be checked out in our school library...our students LOVE THEM...and parents, you will too! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Castles    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fortification    6. History - Europe    7. History - Medieval    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Reference - General    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Architecture   

Reviews (5)

500-1500 = MEDIEVAL TIMES
I AM IN GRADE 4 AND I LEARNED ABOUT THE MIDDLE AGES
A visual introduction to life in Medieval times
I have enjoyed several of the Eyewitness Books, ("Like a mini-museum between the covers of a book" according to "The Los Angels Times Book Review"), and picked up this one because I was reading Michael Crichton's "Timeline."That particular novel involves time travel back to Medieval times, and while the book involves descriptions of clothing, castles and weaponry, and a few sketches, I was looking for something that would help visualization.So "Medieval Life" was a virtual gold mine in that respect. Limited info, but great pictures
DK eyewitness books are some of the greatest non-fiction books around. The distinctive white background and high-quality photography gives this book an edge over any other nonfiction picture book. And -- these pictures are real! They're beautiful museum-quality photos of all things related to medival times, accompanied by informative captions and text. Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Civilization, Medieval    4. History - Medieval    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Middle Ages    8. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    9. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Medieval   

Reviews (1)

Knights-A Great and Beautiful Book
This book is the best!I have never given five stars to a book before, but wish I could rate this one at ten stars.Knights is a gorgeous book chock full of interesting data about knights from all over the world and their weaponry, coat of arms, armor, and the age of chivalry over a thousand year span, as well as bits about what life was like for common folk, in an easy to read and reference format.The back of the book details real (past) knights and fictitious knights from well know stories by name. A glossary is also included. This is one book, even if you're not into the subject, you will love. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - History - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Civilization, Medieval    5. History - Medieval    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Knights and knighthood    9. Medieval civilization    10. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    11. Social Studies - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / General   

Subjects:  1. 1254-1323?    2. Activity Books - General    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. China    7. History - Exploration & Discovery    8. History - Medieval    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Polo, Marco,    12. Travel    13. Voyages and travels    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Medieval    15. World history: c 500 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (1)

very understable and easy to read
I think this is a book very interesting for all ages becacuse of itsgraphics and easy language, etc. I�d like to get information regarding this type of books.(would like to buy many)(in spanish) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Castles    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Civilization, Medieval    5. Historical - Renaissance    6. History - Medieval    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Knights and knighthood    10. Social Science - General   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. History - Medieval    3. History - Modern    4. Juvenile Nonfiction   

Subjects:  1. Bio-bibliography    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Encyclopedias    4. History - Medieval    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Language    7. Literary Criticism & Collections    8. Literature (Young Adult)    9. Literature - Classics / Criticism    10. Literature, Medieval    11. Medieval    12. Reference    13. Reference - Encyclopedias    14. Literary studies: classical, early & medieval    15. Reference works   

Reviews (2)

The Importance of Charlemagne
The Importance of Charlemagne Great for writing history essays,
this book creates and heads different sections of Charlemagne's life.It helped me an incredible amount in my essay writing process, and it gives examples of every aspect of the king's life.His work with education isless talked about, but the entire book contains good quotes from Einhardand other books (Einhard - the two lives of Charlemagne is also a gooodessay writing choice). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - General    2. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    3. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Civilization, Medieval    6. History - Medieval    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Kings, queens, rulers, etc    10. Medieval civilization    11. Charlemagne   

Subjects:  1. Castles    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Civilization, Medieval    5. General    6. History - Medieval    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Knights and knighthood    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Medieval   

Reviews (1)

Redefining History
Beware of the glorification of Islam and Muslims.Perhaps, "Islam in the Middle Ages" would more accurately describe the focus of the editor.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Civilization, Medieval    4. History    5. History - General    6. History - Medieval    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Medieval civilization    10. Middle Ages   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. City and town life    4. Civilization, Medieval    5. Europe    6. Feudalism    7. General    8. History    9. History - Medieval    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. To 1500   

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Sociology    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Cities and towns, Medieval    5. Civilization, Medieval    6. Europe    7. History - Medieval    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Sociology - Urban    11. World - General   

Reviews (6)

The Crusade which Preceded the 'War on Terror'
Many people have seen the excellent PBS documentary, "Holy Warriors", about Saladin and Richard the Lionheart in the Third Crusade.For me it opened up a whole new field of inquiry, for although I am myself an historian, my field is not the Middle Ages. I sought out and read many books on Saladin, and found him a fascinating and admirable character, and an excellent antidote to the hatred of Islam which is presently being fomented by our government.It seemed to me that it was important to get the word out-- especially to the next generation-- about this Muslim whose character was so contrary to prevalent stereotypes.Diane Stanley's book fulfills this need.It presents the true history of Saladin and the Third Crusade in a manner which is readily understandable to children and accompanied by beautiful illustrations.It seems unlikely that any child who has read this book will grow up feeling the hatred that our government wants us to feel for all Muslims, and in that lies its greatest virtue.

beautiful book, but anti-Christian
This book caught my eye at the library because it has beautiful illustrations, and the title obviously gives away its very positive view of Saladin and the Muslim faith.Given the publication date, it is not surprising that the book presents Muslims and their faith in a positive light; however, the book goes to the extreme in presenting Muslims as good and Christians as evil.Children in this age group are likely to be confused by this portrayal of their faith if they are Christians, while those of a Muslim background could very well see the current atrocities committed by Islamic jihadists as justified.Moreover, children at this age don't have the analytical skills to realize that there is more to the history of the Crusades than is presented here.In my opinion, this book may well be an excellent biography of Saladin, but given the age of the intended audience, the slant of the book gives an inappropriate message.

Great Book For Kids
It's a great book, pretty good for kids. The book did overlook the fact that Saladin was also a physician and chemist (or alchemist as they used to be called back then).
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Subjects:  1. 1137-1193    2. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    3. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Crusades    7. Egypt    8. History - Medieval    9. History - Middle East    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. Kings, queens, rulers, etc    13. Readers - Beginner    14. Saladin,    15. Sultan of Egypt and Syria,    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Reviews (1)

Comic book style, a bit of sarcasm, son loved it
Another homeschooler recommended this book to us as one book to read for our study of Ancient Greece. When my 6 year-old son saw the cover he begged for me to read it immediately. He loved the book and is asking if there are others available (which there are because this is one in a series). Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Civilization    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Greece    8. History - Medieval    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Time travel    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Ancient   

Reviews (16)

The Measly Middle Ages:By Terry Deary
The book really had no main characters. This book was an informational book covering the Middle ages. The book covered such great people in history as Queen Isabeau, King Richard II, and King Richard III.
"Reduced Shakespeare Company" Does History
I came across Terry Deary completely by accident ~ in a gift shop in Scotland, shoved amongst other more "scholarly" hardcovers.As my graduate area of study is the Middle Ages, I was intrigued and bought the book on a whim ~ and haven't stopped buying Terry Deary's books since!Are the books chock-full of historical facts guaranteed to allow someone to walk away thinking they know everything about the Middle Ages, Greece, Rome, France, or any of Deary's other topics?No, of course not.Are the books a wonderfully entertaining (and illustrated!) way of addressing what can admittedly be a bit of a dry topic?Of course!I say any books that can make someone, young or old, become interested in history should be embraced fully.And, hey, I learn something new from every book I read, which is an added bonus!Further, I think these books definitely appeal to adults who have an interest or education in history ~ much as what "The Reduced Shakespeare Company" teaches us about Shakepeare is true about Deary's treatment of history: the better you know the original, the more funny and entertaining the condensed versions are.

A replacement for Harry Potter
This great, enchanting, and captivating series attracted me since i was a child.Not only is this an educating experience, this also provides information in a very enjoyable way.Attractive to the most intelligent minds, and interesting to every child, this makes a great gift and also a great reader. Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - History - General    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Civilization, Medieval    5. History - Medieval    6. Juvenile literature    7. Middle Ages   

Reviews (1)

Wonderful book!!!!
My 8 year old boy read this and immediately asked for more like this!He loved these books.They take the kids into the Middle Ages with three fictional kids from our time.Plus they fill it with fun facts from that time period.A great book, for learning and for fun reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Civilization, Medieval    4. Fiction    5. History - Medieval    6. Juvenile fiction    7. Middle Ages    8. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Adventure & Adventurers   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art - History    3. Books of hours    4. Children's 4-8 - Art & Art Instruction    5. France    6. History - Medieval    7. Illumination of books and manuscripts, Medieval    8. Illustrations    9. Juvenile literature    10. Reference    11. Seasons in art    12. Tres riches heures du duc de    13. History of art & art styles    14. History of art: c 500 CE to c 1400    15. Individual artists   

Reviews (1)

Thoroughly researched, engagingly presented text
The collaborative effort of Melvin and Gilda Berger, The Real Vikings is an outstanding children's picture book that strives to answer the question of what the Vikings of legend and history were really like? There was a great deal more to the story of the Vikings than their legends of being fierce raiders. Most Vikings were farmers who stayed on the fields in Scandinavia, while others were accomplished explorers. Not all Viking used the seas to raid; some were merchants and traders, while others sought out new lands and navigation routes. Thoroughly researched, engagingly presented text, and filled from cover to cover with magnificent full-color illustrations, The Real Vikings is a very highly recommended addition to family, school, and community library World History collections for young readers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Civilization, Viking    4. History - Medieval    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Northmen    7. Vikings    8. European history: c 500 CE to c 1000    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Medieval    10. Northern Europe, Scandinavia    11. World history: c 500 CE to c 1500