Reviews (1)

Recommended even for geographic illiterate adults!
Any country that is presented under the cultures of the world series is pretty good. Cultures of the world offers the reader an insight into another country's culture, history, and customs. Everything from language and history to economic standing and traditional celebrations are covered under cultures of the world. They are great books and though they are mainly under children's literature, these books are also recommended for adults that are illiterate on the culture and geography of other nations. These books present valuable cultural and geographic information in a brief form with simple writing that highlights the most important aspects of the culture. That is why these books are recommended even for adults because the writing is clear and easy enough for lazy adults to understand another culture without getting confused. Cultures of the World also offers many colorful pictures on the country and its people.
Wether its Bangladesh or Estonia the Cultures of the World Series offers valuable insights to the cultures of the world.
Most of the time the informatrion is pretty accurate and helpful although it varies from country. In the case of this review for Bangladesh, the information is accurate enough. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An interesting intro to Japan
"Japan," by Tamara L. Britton, is a basic book about the nation of Japan. It is richly illustrated with many photographs (both color and black-and-white). It includes maps, an index, a glossary, and other supplements. There is a chart of "fast facts" (ex. population, highest elevation, mining products, etc.) and a historic timeline.

Topics covered include history, geography, plant and animal life, ethnic groups, the school system, government structure, theater traditions, and more. My only complaint is that the book should have included more on Japan's remarkable language and complex writing system. But that aside, it's a solid reference work. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent juvenile history of Japan and the samurai
"Japan in the Days of the Samurai" describes the Japanese way of life during the samurai eras. Virginia Schomp uses an interesting organizational structure in this book, where each chapter provides a thematic argument for young readers. Chapter One, Living Gods and Warriors looks at the history of the samurai as they became the most powerful fighting force in Japan until Commodore Matthew Perry opened Japan up to the west and the Meji Restoration ended the influence of the samurai. Chapter Two, Artistic Treasures, exposes young readers to the literature, drama, and art of the samurais, as well as providing insights into both the Tea Ceremony and Samurai Castles. Chapter Three, "Land of the Gods," examines the blend of foreign and native ideas from Shinto, Confucianism, and Christianity that would come to make up the uniquely Japanese religion. Chapter Four, A Culture Shaped by Faith, follows up on the practical application of these ideas in both government and art. The final chapter, The Living Samurai Spirit, looks at the legacy of the warrior class after the reforms following the Meiji Restoration put an end to the privileged life of the samurai.

Consequently, Schomp does an excellent job of putting all of the details of life during the time of the samurai in contexts that will make them more meaningful to young readers. There is also a nice parallel chart that explains the life you would have lived in samurai Japan if you were born in Edo as a boy versus as a girl and there are various side bars providing additional information on topics such as Japanese writing and sumo wrestling. The book is illustrated with an exquisite collection of color reproductions of Japanese art as well as photographs of various artifacts. In the back of the book you will find a time line of samurai Japan from the prehistoric period to the abolishment of Shogunate rule in 1868, a glossary of terms from "ashigaru" to vassal, and standard reference information. In terms of both information and aesthetics, "Japan in the Days of the Samurai" is the best juvenile history of this subject I have come across to date.

Other volumes in the Cultures of the Past series look at not only the standard civilizations such as the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Maya, and Romans, but also the African Kingdom of Kush, the Celts of Northern Europe, China's Tang Dynasty, India's Gupta Dynasty, the Kingdom of Benin in West Africa, Venice and Its Merchant Empire, and the Vikings. There are almost two-dozen volumes, which is getting pretty close to a large enough number that every student in a class could be assigned a different culture. ... Read more