The Children's Encyclopaedia of Arabia

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Summary: Read an encyclopedia from cover to cover!
Review: The Children's Encyclopaedia of Arabia is an excellent introduction to the human history of the Peninsula and the environmental diversity of its plants, animals and marine life. With countless photographs and illustrations to accompany a richly written text, it clearly discusses a myriad of subjects from Bronze Age tombs in Oman to the 1000 foot tall, sail-shaped Burj al-Arab building in modern Dubai. Ranging from the clever techniques of Bedouin weaving to the adaptive characteristics that allow desert mammals like camels,or even small foxes, to survive in the Rub' al-Khali, this is certainly the most engrossing encyclopedia that anyone generally interested in Arabia is likely to encounter.

If you have ever worked or lived in this "Island of the Arabs," Mary Beardwood's book is an ideal vehicle for sharing your experiences with that youngster in your life who asks, "What was it like in Arabia?" And even if you don't know any youngsters, although it is entitled a "Children's Encyclopedia," this beautifully produced volume is packed with so much valuable information about so many diverse subjects that it is guaranteed to fascinate any reader of any age - from cover to cover.

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Summary: A timely and fascinating introduction to Arabia
Review: The cover of this beautiful book says it all: an ancient mosque and a modern skyscraper, camels resting in the desert and a "camel crossing" sign standing by a highway. Mary Beardwood has created a tapestry of gorgeous photos, drawings and text that covers Arabia from ancient times to the 21st Century. The topics include ancient archaeology and architecture; the traditional Arabic economy based on dates and pearls, and customs like falconry and horse breeding; the unique plants and animals adapted to life in the desert; the discovery of oil and the rise of modern cities like Dubai and Muscat. These topics will capture the interest of any intelligent child or curious adult. At a time when violence and suspicion mark the relationship between Arabs and Americans, there is no better remedy than this book. It offers a genuine moment of cross-cultural understanding.

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Summary: A gorgeous presentation promising to reach a wide age range
Review: This 152-page encyclopedia is a highly recommended pick for any who want to focus on the history of the Middle East: the editor has spent years teaching in the region and this provides easy access to knowledge. Sections on past, traditional life, flora and fauna and present-day Arabia covers everything from culture to natural history and packs in color photos and illustrations. A gorgeous presentation promising to reach a wide age range.

Rating:
Summary: Delight
Review: This vividly illustrated volume by a teacher with nearly a quarter-century of experience on the Arabian Peninsula is a delight for children and young adults to peruse alone or with parents. The history, culture, plants and animals of the region are brought to life in a pleasing format certain to engross young readers, and perhaps deliver a surprise or two to adults who thought they knew it all. (MA02)