(4) YA Rulers of the Middle Ages series. These volumes introduce four personalities of the Middle Ages, each of whom had a profound impact on his or her own time and on history. Decorative borders and some papers, maps, and reproductions reinforce the particular nature of the historical period. Plenty of subheads break the narrative into manageable chunks. The writing, though clear, is unexciting. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Rulers of the Middle Ages titles: William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, and Saladin.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(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