Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 4^-8. Murrell provides an overview of an important country from the earliest time to the present. Following the traditional Eyewitness format, the book presents topics in large double-page spreads, generously illustrated with clear, full-color objects set against a white background. The narrative, composed of brief paragraphs and factoid captions, may be a problem for report writers, but the flow is generally chronological. In addition to history, the author touches upon the land (Russia spans 11 time zones), the various peoples who inhabit the region, religion, architecture (including an explanation of how onion domes are constructed), science and industry, writers and artists, arts and crafts, and culture. This attractive introduction to the changing nation should be popular with browsers. --Kay Weisman
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up-It is rare to find a book that will appeal to such a wide range of readers. While youngsters will be attracted by its visuals, older readers will learn much from the commentaries. Geography, historical periods, and cultural topics are presented in two-page spreads that include an introductory paragraph, colorful illustrations, and fascinating captions. For example, notes accompanying a traditional sleigh point out the significance of its design, the meaning of its coat of arms, and how the construction of the footrest is meant to protect the coachman's feet. Pictures of artifacts and objects from museums and libraries around the world distinguish this book. Included are items of clothing, religious objects, folk art, posters, regalia from tsarist times, and much more to illustrate both the natural and physical world of this culture, its history, and achievements. Teachers will appreciate the many images and fascinating details available in one volume. There are no full translations of the words in the illustrations, but this is a mere quibble not meant to distract from the value of this outstanding book. While this title does not present in-depth information on any one aspect of Russian culture, it does offer an abundance of topics for further research.-Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
This attempt to present Russian culture and history from medieval times to the present is at best a pictorial hodgepodge of interesting Russian artifacts, from Catherine the Great's gilded carriage to Lenin's funeral train. The history presented in the brief one-paragraph chapters and generous picture captions is choppy, confusing, and full of gaps. Ind. From HORN BOOK Fall 1998, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
