(4) YA Great Battles through the Ages series. Actium is more a history of the consolidation of power in Rome from the Republic to an empire than about the actual battle. Crusade details the first two Crusades and then concentrates on Richard I's and Saladin's actions and tactics. Although diffusely focused, both books are liberally illustrated and offer detailed accounts of the times. Timeline. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Great Battles through the Ages titles: Battle of Actium and The Third Crusade.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA Battles that Changed the World series. Marathon chronicles the people, terrain, and events that led to the unlikely defense of Athens against a much larger Persian army; Hastings discusses the Battle of Hastings, wherein William the Conqueror earned his name on the fields of England. While Hastings is marred only by maps that are too small and infrequent, Marathon is written in dull prose and would benefit from a glossary. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Battles That Changed the World titles: Marathon and Hastings.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman