(3) 4-6 This thorough, accessible volume begins with background about "the Golden Age of Ocean Liners." Two-page chapters then discuss building and loading the Titanic, the ship's geography (with a useful foldout diagram), the iceberg strike and its aftermath, victims and survivors, and "superliners" today. Many archival photos along with pictures of recovered artifacts and digital re-creations of shipboard scenes enhance the presentation. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) 4-6 National Geographic World History Biographies series. Beginning with childhood, these handsomely designed books trace the lives of each historical figure, highlighting small details (e.g., as a child Joan was "well behaved"), major achievements, struggles, and their impact today. Most pages feature a running timeline, artwork reproductions or other illustrations, and factual text boxes, which further help set these extraordinary lives in historical context. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these National Geographic World History Biographies titles: Isaac Newton and Joan of Arc.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio

(4) 4-6 Eyewitness Books series. Photographs by Steve Teague & Steve Teague. For each religion, a short text on each double-page spread (on a subtopic such as the Crucifixion) is married to a wide variety of cropped photos of objects or art; each object has an often substantial caption explaining its importance in the religion's rituals or beliefs. The spreads are crowded and the format choppy, but the images are arresting and the books are inviting for casual readers. Ind. [Review covers these Eyewitness Books titles: Judaism, Buddhism, and Christianity.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Eyewitness Books series. Photographs by Steve Teague & Steve Teague. For each religion, a short text on each double-page spread (on a subtopic such as the Crucifixion) is married to a wide variety of cropped photos of objects or art; each object has an often substantial caption explaining its importance in the religion's rituals or beliefs. The spreads are crowded and the format choppy, but the images are arresting and the books are inviting for casual readers. Ind. [Review covers these Eyewitness Books titles: Judaism, Buddhism, and Christianity.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 This amply illustrated, serviceable volume offers glances at places explored, the explorers, and reasons for exploration. What the book lacks in depth it makes up for in scope, as the topics circle the globe. Captions offer details about people, places, dates, and equipment. Color photos and action-packed illustrations add a sense of adventure to the informational text. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) 4-6 Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Books series. This is a densely packed but informative guide to Islamic history, customs, beliefs, holy books, architecture, society, and culture. The broadly focused and randomly organized double-page spreads are busy with text blocks, extensive captions, drawings, and color photos. Best for browsing, this volume will be useful as a supplement to more comprehensive treatments. Ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Busy double-page spreads introduce various historical ships and explain how they were used in trade, in warfare, and for travel. Because the color artwork varies greatly in style and quality, from dramatic paintings of vessels toiling at sea to clinical cutaways of battleships, the volume has an unfocused feel that is also shared by a text that presents supplemental information in lengthy captions. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 Topics in art history are presented in three sections: a historical overview, examples of works by notable artists, and a brief glimpse at art of various world cultures. While each of the sections is far from comprehensive, the topical approach is an effective vehicle for developing an appreciation of the subject, and the writing is superior to many titles in this genre. Ind.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(3) 4-6 Topics in art history are presented in three sections: a historical overview, examples of works by notable artists, and a brief glimpse at art of various world cultures. While each of the sections is far from comprehensive, the topical approach is an effective vehicle for developing an appreciation of the subject, and the writing is superior to many titles in this genre. Ind.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin