The Usborne Book of World History (Guided Discovery Program)

The history of the world in 191 pages is quite an achievement. I used this book for home schooling my eight year old grandson and had no trouble keeping his interest and enthusiasm because every page has attractively drawn pictures. The pictures have a kind of Where's Wally approach to detail which we found entertaining as well as informative. Recommended for children because this book makes history fun for all levels of intellect. I have also sent it to third world countries for use where access to good education is limited.

As secular Jewish parents homeschooling our daughter, while living and travelling aboard a sailboat, my wife and I were initially quite thrilled at finding this book. Its brightly colored detailed illustrations accompanying bite-sized chunks of historical information seemed to be just the right sort of introduction to world history for a six year old. That is, until we have received the book and read it.

We were initially a bit surprised to find the table of contents without a single mention of Jews or Judaism. We proceeded to search the book and finally, in a chapter called "Nomads in the Desert", found one page devoted to an illustration of the Solomon's Temple, along with six drawings and twelve sentences dealing with the "Israelites". Providing very little content or context, the chapter is concluded by stating "...Israel rebelled and its people were taken away, never to return" There is not a single word on Judaism, or a single connection made to the subsequent history of the Jewish people, both in the Middle East and the Diaspora. In fact, the words "Jewish" or "Jew", the modern terms for the "Israelite", are almost entirely excluded from the book. The chapter also includes an italicised "footnote" stating that "Many of these people and places are mentioned in the Old Testament", a historical understatement bordering on vicious irony.

Incidentally, the preceeding chapter is entitled "Canaanites and Philistines", and draws a clear entymological connection between the Philistines-Pelest-Palestine (ignoring the fact that the region was named Palestine much later, only after the Romans invaded, specifically to destroy any connection between the land and the rebellious Israelites)

Moving on, we looked at Egypt. Any mention of Jewish slaves building the pyramids? No. Any mention of the Exodus, Moses, the revelation of Torah and the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai? Nope again. A very surprising omission, indeed, given the fact that the main religious and cultural thrust of the book is concentrated on the Mosaic religions, for which Judaism is the base.

Moving on to Rome. One mention of Jews here, in connection with a rebellion and the Dead Sea scrolls (Chapter "Romans and Barbarians" (!?!)). Again, no connecion is made to the Israelites or Judeans, who were the same people. The very next illustration deals with the Christians. The caption reads "Some people in Palestine followed a religious leader called Jesus. They were known as Christians because he was called Christ, the Messiah, and met secretly in catacombs." Any mention that Christ was a Jew, as were most of his early followers? Incidentally, Christians were forced to meet in catacombs much later and in a different place altogehter, in Rome, to be precise.

And that is the first and last time the Jews are mentioned in this book. Life in the diaspora, persecutions in Europe during the dark ages? The Crusaders, who systematically slaughtered the entire Jewish population of the Holy Land "...felt they must go and fight to protect (it)" Spanish Inquisition, which was chiefly aimed at Maranos, the Iberian Jews forced to convert to Catholicism? It is described as hunting "...anyone who was not a good Catholic" Expulsion of Jews and Muslims from the Iberian peninsula by the Catholic Kings Isabel and Ferdinand in 1492? Not a mention. Great Sephardic centers of culture and learning? Nada.

We really tried to like this book. The illustrations are colorful and detailed and we will probably continue using it, but will have to heavily supplement the content with other materials. I do not want to speculate on the reasons why the publishers chose to omit one of the most important portions of world history. I would like to think it was just a mistake that will be addressed in a future edition.

Good book full of interesting information. A nice book for kids to go to to look stuff up. We love these sorts of books. Great for a homeschool household.

Heather mama of 5

I originally borrowed this book when I was looking for a history reference book to use with my seven year old. I enjoyed it so much that I had to purchase my own copy. Though I bought it to use for homeschooling my son, I enjoyed the book so much I was up nights reading it. The pictures are great, the layout is easy to follow and reference, and the content is inclusive without being complex or boring. I would highly recommend it as a great history timeline reference either for studying, reading, or browsing.

We use this book almost daily in our home school. It is full of extremely detailed illustrations that can be graphic (a pile of human heads)but will draw children's attention even if they can't read the words. My kids were amazed when we bought a picture book with real photographs of Egypt and they were able to match up the original photos with the art in the Usborne book. Lots of information that tends to be a little too fragmented so you will need to supplement with other books to get a fuller picture of "World History" even for your kids.