Michael Woods and Mary B. Woods (Minneapolis: Runestone Press, 1999) 88 pp. with color illustrations, $25.26 Ages 9–14
Ever wonder how wounds were patched before the age of Band-Aids? This colorful, highly informative book explores the origins of medicine, through illustrations, maps, timelines and descriptions of ancient medical procedures. Tracing developments in Egypt, India, China, Greece and Rome, along with a chapter on the Stone Age, Ancient Medicine deals with broken bones, ancient drugs, brain surgery and “pus-pullers” (syringes).
A Journey Through Time
Roberta Angeletti (New York City: Oxford University Press, 1999) 4 volumes, each with color illustrations, $16.95 per volume Ages 5–9
Each of the brightly illustrated volumes in this series takes a magical journey into the distant past. In Vulca the Etruscan, a boy named Robbie chases his kickball into an ancient Etruscan necropolis. The Cave Painter of Lescaux tells the story of young Anna, who wanders away from her class on a field trip and meets a genuine Neanderthal. Robbie returns for more adventures in The Minotaur of Knossos, while Anna comes back to make a trip to Egypt in Nefertari: Princess of Egypt. Although the writing in these stories is uninspired, children are sure to be captivated by Angeletti’s prize-winning drawings. Each volume concludes with a helpful nonfiction discussion of the people and places mentioned in the text.
The Mystery of the Hieroglyphs: The Story of the Rosetta Stone and the Race To Decipher Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Carol Donoughue (New York: Oxford University Press. 1999) 48 pp. with color illustrations, $16.95 Ages 8 and up
All you ever wanted to know about ancient hieroglyphics. Donoughue focuses on the discovery of the famous Rosetta Stone and the 23-year-long quest, by Thomas Young and Jean François Champollion, to crack the code. The book’s real selling point is its straightforward, easy-to-read discussion of Egyptian writing—along with a useful glossary and beautifully produced color pictures, maps, timelines and drawings. It’s perfect for kids—and teachers—who want to begin to read the writing on the wall.
Where God Dwells: A Child’s History of the Synagogue
Steven Fine and Leah Bierman Fine (Los Angeles: Torah Aura Productions, 1999) 56 pp. with black and white illustrations, $8.95 Ages 8 and up
Synagogues have stood at the center of Jewish life for almost 2,000 years, ever since the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D. They have functioned as meeting houses, temples, schools and even—on occasion—military encampments. Extremely informative, Where God Dwells spans the synagogue’s entire history, from the earliest structures revealed by archaeology to modern temples. With dozens of photos (black-and-white), maps and drawings, this volume should interest budding archaeologists and young religious scholars. An excellent resource for Hebrew schools.
Ancient Medicine: From Sorcery to Surgery
You have already read your free article for this month. Please join the BAS Library or become an All Access member of BAS to gain full access to this article and so much more.