School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-7-These handsomely designed books present the lives and accomplishments of powerful leaders of the ancient world. Each one begins with a description of the world in which these figures lived. Family life, education, and early experiences are summarized briefly-much of it surmised from historical records. Both volumes are illustrated with maps and many color photographs of art and sculpture that give substance to eras long past. A simple time line runs along the bottom of each page. Small, informative sidebars decorate most pages while several illustrated boxes add substance. Adams does not downplay Alexander's brutality or all-consuming ambition and includes examples of both. Peter Chrisp's Alexander the Great (DK, 2000) is a heavily illustrated work that reveals more details of the techniques Alexander employed in planning campaigns and battle strategy. Hatshepsut brought one unique quality to the office-her gender. This female who declared herself king ruled one of the most powerful nations in the world for over 20 years. The few facts known about her life and reign are woven into Galford's interesting account. Catherine M. Andronik's Hatshepsut, His Majesty, Herself (S & S, 2001) offers more colorful illustrations and pronunciation guides. As in Miriam Greenblatt's Hatshepsut and Ancient Egypt (Benchmark, 1999), general details of the everyday lives of Egyptians, particularly royalty, are used to complete the picture. Libraries owning either of those titles can rely on them to provide basic information. Others will Galford's biography useful.-Ann G. Brouse, Steele Memorial Library, Elmira, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
The handsome titles in this series cover both the life and historical significance of a major world leader. Clear and engaging writing; plentiful photographs, maps, and reproductions on well-designed pages; and helpful sidebars make each of the volumes interesting and useful. A timeline runs across the bottom of every page. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these National Geographic World History Biographies titles: Alexander, Mandela, Hatshepsut, and Gandhi.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Gr. 4-6. This attractive biography in the World History Biography series presents the life of Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt as pharaoh during the New Kingdom, around 3500 years ago. Illustrated with clear, color photos of artifacts and sites as well as colorful maps, the text discusses aspects of Egyptian life such as education and religion in Hatshepsut's life. Galford carefully differentiates what is fact from supposition. Each double-page spread includes many visual elements: the time line stretching across the bottom of the pages, photos with detailed captions, and often one or more sidebars carrying information about Egyptian life. A few double-page spreads are really extended sidebars, interrupting the flow of the text to highlight related subjects such as the excavations of Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahri. Back matter includes a good glossary as well as a brief list of recommended books and Web sites and a list of sources of quotes. With a clearly written text and many handsome photos, this provides an accessible introduction to Hatshepsut and her times. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2005 Booklist
