《书目》(Booklist)书评

Gr. 3-5. Major textual revisions are being made in the Civilization Library series, resulting in simplified, large-print texts more suitable for younger children. The books continue to be profusely illustrated with many of the same textbook-type, full-color illustrations found in the originals. Some of the small drawings have evidently been derived from original art. Early China briefly recounts that country's history, highlighting the Han dynasty and telling of life at the imperial court, in the cities, among the peasantry, and in the home. Religious beliefs are described, as are developments in science, industry, and art. Aztecs tells how a wandering tribe found an island home and evolved into a wealthy and warlike society. Their government and unique religious beliefs are discussed, as are reasons for the Aztecs' complete destruction by the Spaniards. Two of the illustrations in Aztecs seem unnecessarily sensational, particularly one depicting human sacrifice. Some information has been deleted; for example, a section on ancient Chinese writing has been dropped from Ancient China and a pronunciation guide has disappeared from Aztecs. However, the new editions are more readable, and libraries that do not have the earlier books will find these new versions useful. ML.