This book gives the history and descriptions of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The accuracy of the facts presented is hard to judge. There are a few sources named, but not a lot and no bibliography or reference list at the end. The author makes a point of informing the reader that many of the ideas about the seven wonders are just ideas and nobody can be certain about the truth behind them. For example, the author notes that we still don�t know if the Hanging Gardens of existed or if they were just a rumor. The author does a good job of explaining that much of the information we have on the seven wonders is just theory. The book received favorable reviews and the author has written several other well known nonfiction books for children. He was n art historian before becoming a children�s book writer. The most significant facts seem to be included. The author describes what historians believe the wonders looked like. He describes how historians know this. He gives historical background on why and how the structures were created and what happened to them. For example, the Great Pyramid at Giza was created to serve as a tomb for a pharaoh and scientists aren�t sure how it was built, but there are several theories (Curlee 6).
The layout is logical and coherent and the information is presented in a logical way. The author begins with an introduction on the seven wonders as a whole and then devotes two pages of text and two full page illustrations to the each wonder. The book is concluded with a page of text and a picture that compares the sizes of the different wonders to each other. There are few reference aids provided, but given the short length of the book, a table of contents or index isn�t really needed. There are subheadings to identify each new section on a new wonder. School Library Journal notes that a pronunciation guide would have been nice and I would have to agree. The illustrations are quite appropriate. For instance, the author notes that there are several different theories on what the Mausoleum could have looked like. One of the illustrations for this wonder shows four boxes, each with a different picture of how the Mausoleum might have looked (Curlee 23).
The book is attractively designed and will appeal to children. The cover shows a picture of the Great Pyramid with a purple sky in the background that looks very mysterious. Most children are fascinated by ancient mysteries and Egypt anyway, so it wouldn�t take much to get them to give this book a try. The inside of the book is appealing as well. The text is normal sized, but it is double-spaced which is easy on the eyes. The illustrations appear to be oil paintings or watercolors and are very colorful and interesting. The pictures don�t have captions and children might not understand some of the things going on in the illustrations, such as Napoleon at the Great Pyramid (Booklist).
The writing is lively and interesting. The author includes lots of interesting tidbits that will not only fascinate readers, but will also encourage them to read more on the subject. For instance, the author notes that according to legend, �on the night when Herostratus burned Croesus�s temple of Artemis, a baby was born who would conquer the world.� This child grew up to be Alexander the Great, who in essence, did conquer the world by spreading Greek civilization all over the world. Children may want to learn more about Greek civilization and Alex the Great. The author certainly doesn�t talk down to the readers. He uses words such as �plundered,� �sanctuary,� and �gilded� that many children readers may need to look up. The author compares the size of the wonders to sizes of modern buildings in order to help readers visualize their size.
The author does a good job of blending information with good storytelling. This book will certainly pique the interest of children who are interested in history or real life mysteries.
Booklist. 2002. Booklist. In Books in Print [database online]. Available from
http://www.booksinprint.com/bip. Accessed 23 October 2004
School Library Journal. 2002. School Library Journal. In Books in Print [database online]. Available
from http://www.booksinprint.com/bip. Accessed 23 October 2004
