(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Somchith Vongprachanh. The famous ancient Roman city, destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, is explored both in the book and through an included CD-ROM. Many of the better-known and preserved locations within the city are discussed in detail, with illustrations and photos of the sites and artifacts bringing the city to life but cluttering the spreads. The "virtual 3D tour" offers limited interactivity.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Somchith Vongprachanh. From the early stages of Titanic's planning and construction to the ship's amenities to the dramatic accident and eventual sinking, every detail of the historic ship is presented--visually and with informative text and firsthand accounts--for you-are-there exploration. Illustrations include archival photographs and stunningly crisp digital re-creations of objects and scenes. Includes a CD for virtual "3D tours."

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) 4-6 Navigators series. This is a straightforward historical survey of "thieves who commit crimes at sea," with one double-page spread devoted to fictional pirates. Each main topic is divided into digestible subtopics. Vivid illustrations consist of computer-generated pictures, maps, and photos; the busy pages also include informative captions and quotations. Suitable for browsing. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 This browsable book gives an abbreviated account of WWII from the beginning stages to its conclusion. Double-page spreads chronicle important events, such as Pearl Harbor and D-Day. Each subject is presented in brief vignettes accompanied by numerous vintage photographs, drawings, and maps. Although informative, the crowded format gives the book a busy, cluttered appearance. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 History in Art series. Each first chapter explains, with varying success, the relationship between art and artists. Subsequent chapters give a chronology of the main events of certain periods. Captioned, labeled images serve as examples of artistic conventions, materials, and techniques. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these History in Art titles: Ancient China, Islamic Empires, Ancient Rome, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Native Americans, and Middle Ages.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA World Wars series. By focusing on narrower topics, these four books are able to provide detailed accounts of three aspects or battles of World War II and one offensive of World War I. Well written, with the information broken up by sidebars, maps, and period photographs, this series will help readers interested in these two wars. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these World War titles: The War in the Pacific, The Home Front in World War II, The Battle of the Somme, and The Battle of Britain.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Double-page spreads addressing various topics seem randomly arranged ("God Kings" followed by "Warrior Nation" followed by "Ideas of Beauty") and are overloaded with photos of artifacts, reproduced tomb paintings (with some of the visuals too small to see details), and snippets of information. Four spreads have transparent overlays that reveal inner views of a mummy, boat, temple, and tomb. Ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Books series. Photographs by Steve Teague. For each of twenty-nine Shakespeare-related topics, thoroughly captioned illustrations surround a paragraph of text. Presented in loose chronological order, the subjects range from the playwright's birthplace to "country fun" to the Globe Theatre. The colorful photos are mostly of Elizabethan art and artifacts but feature a few live models wearing period clothing. The cramped page layout makes this volume more suitable for browsing than for steady reading. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Dorling Kindersley Readers series. Some people associated with the Globe in 1602 (e.g., a waterman, the Burbage brothers, a cut-purse, and a groundling) offer brief first-person, behind-the-scenes looks at different aspects of the theater. Sidebars include supplemental information, and concluding chapters discuss later-seventeenth-century events and the 1997 replica. Illustrated with adequate paintings and small photos, this book may inspire further study. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 A survey of the Roman Empire is presented in a series of double-page spreads, illustrated with detailed color artwork. The book serves as an introduction to this often-bloody society and its various rulers, but is little more than a hurried overview. A "Who's Who" section and a two-page spread outlining Rome's influence on modern life are helpful. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Dorling Kindersley Discoveries series. Illustrated by Peter Dennis. This busily designed book emphasizes the insatiable ego, impulsive character, and military prowess of the larger-than-life King Alexander. Sidebars provide information on the culture, architecture, and art of the people he conquered. Though it glosses over Alexander's private life, this introduction is action-packed and informative. Ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 History Beneath Your Feet series. A survey of the Roman Empire is presented in a series of double-page spreads, illustrated with detailed color artwork. The book serves as an introduction to this often-bloody society and its various rulers, but is little more than a hurried overview. A "Who's Who" section and a two-page spread outlining Rome's influence on modern life are helpful. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 My World series. In a first-person narrative, eight-year-old Flavia tells about her life in Rome during Emperor Trojan's rule. The brief text is illustrated with photos of contemporary children in costume--a gimmick that makes the history seem less real, not more. The text provides information about family life and housing, clothing, food, education, sports, and more. Simple activities and recipes are included. Ind.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty