David Long (4) (1961–)

Kid's book, my left ear! This is for EVERYONE (maybe not archaeologists and similar) who just might find themselves interested in the ancient things they do not know about from the Tigris and Euphrates all the way into China. The info is comfortable comprehensive and the detailed illustrations (think Where's Waldo) are delightfully intricate. I am really looking forward to the print version (it'll be easier on older eyes) and sharing it with the kidz.
I requested and received a free temporary show more ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions via NetGalley. Thank you! show less

This book is a literal treasure trove of knowledge. There is SO much information that it can be a bit overwhelming. The pages are jam packed with tidbits and facts, so much so you can reread this book and find new things to learn and see each revisit. There is information about Egypt (duh) and about key Egyptians throughout history. There are depictions of everyday Egyptians and what mischief they possibly are up to alongside captions about Pharoahs, their Life and Afterlife. There are show more scribes and tomb raiders and the Great Sphinx...oh my!! There is so much detail you can't help but feel like you're part of the action. The illustrations are quite detailed and the information is just astounding. My 8 year old daughter was awed by this book. She is constantly seeking any and all information on Egypt largely because her grandfather is from Cairo and he is her hero. After reaching the end of the book she loved going back and finding all of the hidden objects and people populating the pages Where's Waldo Style. This book was an instant success in our household! What a great way to make learning fun!!

*** I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *** show less

I liked this book all right - I learned a few interesting tidbits which I didn't know before. The artwork was good, and fun. Except for the following, I think it'd be a great book for kids to read about the moon missions and landings. But I was very disappointed to only see white people in the big art spread of the work done to save the Apollo 13 astronauts, given that we know there were black computers working at NASA. I also think a discussion about how the astronauts were chosen and WHY show more they were all men, and white, would be good so children don't assume upon reading that white men were just intrinsically better at being astronauts. These things matter.

Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

For the writing, which is well-done, witty, and opinionated (in a good way), this book gets 4 1/2 stars. But the pictures are all in black and white and there aren't enough of them. Frequently, some of the best features of the buildings cited are their interiors, but there are hardly any interior pictures. Of course, you can find lots of pictures on the internet, but it would be a lot easier read if the ones here were better. How can we really appreciate the Peacock House (Debenham House) show more without a color picture? I know this book was published in 2006, so maybe it's time for an update. On the good side, the buildings are well chosen, and I was overjoyed to see it include the St. Alban's tower (the only remaining part of a Christopher Wren church, which is now used as a private residence) that I stumbled across near the Guild Hall one day. Still recommended, but be prepared to spend lots of time on the internet really SEEING these places. show less