The Rise of Islam

Each volume in this series examines a particular time period or historical event in great depth, with sections including an overview of the subject along with causes and legacies. The Enlightenment explores advances in science, art, and medicine during the Enlightenment period as well as the Enlightenment as a cause of the American Revolution. The Rise of Islam follows the life of Muhammad and the events immediately following his death and the beginnings of the ongoing conflict between Shiite and Sunni Muslims, and briefly explains the tenets of the Muslim faith. The Rise of the Nazis examines the causes and events leading up to World War II, including the problems in the German government between the World Wars, and how Adolf Hitler’s talent for propaganda helped him rise to power. Although slim at less than one hundred pages each, these books are dense, containing solid information for report writers and anyone interested in the topics. The text is highly readable and sidebars pull out and further examine interesting tidbits. Colorful illustrations appear throughout. Extensive back matter includes resources for research, further reading, and short biographies of key players within historical events. Understanding World History is a solid purchase for middle and high school libraries as well as public libraries with large nonfiction collections.

Gr 7 Up–Drawing on documented primary sources and modern scholarship, these well-written books separate fact from myth and give readers a detail-rich glimpse into life during the often gruesome Middle Ages. Books are primarily focused on Western Europe, and authors describe both the rigid social and religious structures and the ignorance and brutality that were hallmarks of medieval life. They also explain how innovation and expanded trade with the Middle East brought gradual change, especially in weaponry, warfare, and medicine. Texts are supplemented with sidebars that provide longer primary source excerpts and additional information about related topics. Illustrations, which include a single map of medieval Europe and color reproductions of period art and contemporary photos of locations and weapons, add little. These books will help readers and report writers understand the reality of medieval life. Good choices for secondary libraries.