Classical Civilization: India

Cunningham, Kevin.  Classical Civilization: India.    Morgan Reynolds  2013   112p  28.95 978-159935175-9   ms/hs  series: World History  History  VG-BNS     

This introduction to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and subsequent Indian eras, which puts all of them into the context of world history, is quite comprehensive, with colorful photographs and discussion of literature, archaeology, religion, language and trade.  The ancient cultures and their discoveries in modern times are thoroughly discussed, and many concepts such as monsoon, the caste system, and warring religious groups are introduced and explained.  The language is fairly easy to read for middle-school and high-school students.  The addition of more maps would have been most welcome, as, for example, when areas like the Punjab or Bengal are mentioned, and there is no map to illustrate to students where these areas are.  Even a map of modern-day India would have been helpful for these discussions.

The glossary and extensive list of resources, both print and web-based, is good.

One glaring mistake, however, appears on the verso of the “Contents” page, where a map of ancient India refers to a circled area thus: “Ancient Greece with the Indus River Valley area is highlighted.”  The first four words of that sentence should be deleted in future editions!  They are misleading. 

The series World History includes books on early river civilizations, the Americas before 1492, European colonizations of the Americas and Africa, and Greece and Rome, as well as this book on ancient India.     

Summary: This introduction to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and subsequent Indian eras, which puts them in the context of world history, is comprehensive, with colorful photographs and discussion of literature, archaeology, religion, language and trade.    

Ancient India                                         --Carol Kennedy

Measurement

Cunningham, Kevin.  Measurement.  Morgan Reynolds     2013  64p  $27.45  ISBN 978-1-59935-398-2  ms/hs  series: The Biography of Numbers Nonfiction  E-BN

This book is a wonderful presentation, filled with colorful illustrations, of how measurement systems developed and why they were needed.  Covering everything from ancient civilizations through contemporary efforts to standardize measurements worldwide, this book is engaging for the casual reader and filled with facts for the student researcher.  It includes short biographies of famous people who influenced the progress toward standardization of measurements, a timeline, a glossary, lists for further reading and an index. Cunningham traces the history of measurement and the impact of commerce and government on standardizing units of measure.  He notes the reluctance of the United States to follow the metric system, and holding out as only one of three countries in the world to use a different measurement system.  Students might find it interesting that standardization was finalized less than 60 years ago, with the adoption of the International System of Units to denote a common basis for measuring distance, mass, time, temperature, light, electric current, and chemical units.  Outstanding!

The reviewer’s only concern is the title of the first chapter, “The Cun and the Cubit,” which will leave readers scrambling to other sources to find the definition of “cun,” as the word does not appear in the book.     

The Biography of Numbers consists of four titles written in an engaging style with colorful illustrations, providing a quick history of mathematics and the use of numbers.  They include brief biographies, practical applications of numbers, and timelines. Gr. 6-12.   

Summary: Provides the history of the development of systems to measure volume, length, and weight; why standardization of weights and measures is needed; and why it has involved such a long and difficult process to establish.  Colorfully illustrated. Gr. 6-12. 

Measurement, History of Science                       --Lois McNicol

Numerals

Cunningham, Kevin.  Numerals.  Morgan Reynolds  2013  64p     $27.45  ISBN 978-1-59935-396-8  ms/hs  series: The Biography of Numbers  Nonfiction  E-BN

This book tells the history of counting and the visual representation of numbers through centuries and various cultures.  It’s an engaging volume that will provide even the well-read reader with new facts related to numbers. The student will become quickly engaged in reading about this usually dull, dry topic because the text is extremely well written, with just enough fact interspersed within the historical context of the need for a system of counting that would allow people to go from zero to millions and beyond, and would facilitate calculation using simple and complex math concepts. It is also a fascinating look at the way written language preceded the written representation of how much and how many.  By bringing in current examples from banking, calculation devices, calendars, and the building of large structures, Cunningham shows us that we take for granted the things that ancient civilizations struggled to explain and calculate.  The description of the advances made by ancient civilizations in the realm of mathematics make this book a perfect supplement for ancient history classes and studies of India and the Middle East.  Colorful illustrations and examples of ancient writings help keep the reader focused.  Outstanding short history of numbers.           

The Biography of Numbers consists of four titles written in an engaging style with colorful illustrations.  A quick history of mathematics and the use of numbers.  Famous people who developed concepts, practical applications of numbers, and a timeline.  Gr. 6-12.   

History of Mathematics, History of Numbers            --Lois McNicol

Pi

Cunningham, Kevin.  Pi.  Morgan Reynolds  2013  64p   27.45 978-1-59935-394-4  elem/ms  series: The Biography of Numbers  Nonfiction  E-BN       

The author has written a well documented account of the history, growth, and discoveries of pi.  In 1680 B.C., pi was first discovered in Sumer.  Knowledge of pi’s properties developed slowly until recently, when mathematicians utilized the computer.
The inclusion of photographs, several lists on where to obtain more information, and a glossary/index makes this book a useful research tool.  The inclusion of web sites for youngsters is also important in school classrooms today.  Up-to-date photographs further enhance the information in the book.

The flow and balance of the text and full-color visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for young and reluctant readers.

This book is one in the Biography of Numbers series.  The series consists of four books at this time.  The general theme of the series is mathematics.  The books are Pi, Zero, Measurement, and Numerals.     

Summary: A well documented account of the history, growth, and discoveries of Pi from 1680 until modern day.          

Mathematics                                           --Linda McNeil