Children's Ancient History Books

NEBUCHADNEZZAR: Sourge of Zion (Heroes & Warriors series)
by Mrk Healy. Color plates by Richard Hook. B&W photos and drawings of artifacts. Condition: NEW c. 1990 Firebird Books (UK) paperback, no printing or edition given. This book cannot possibly be a 1990 printing. Too crisp and "new" for that. Content: An account of Nebuchadnezzar, king of ancient Babylon, whose clever military strategy brought about the fall of Jerusalem and insured his dominion over the Middle East. Ages 8+. [1 copy available]
$ 5.00 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

ODYSSEUS AND THE GIANTS (Ulysses Tales from The Odyssey)
by Homer. Retold by I.M. Richardson. Perfect color illustrations for the story by Hal Frenck. Condition: UNREAD, but not perfect, 1984 Troll soft cover (stapled wraps), first printing. Light tanning to page edges. Tiny tiny edge wear. Blank bookplate. Content: Odysseus (Ulysses) relates to his listeners his fleet's experiences on the Island of the Winds and with the man-eating Giants. Ages 4-8. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.19 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

PHARAOH: Life and Afterlife of a God
by David Kennett. Beautiful, historically accurate color illustrations by the Author. Decorated end pages. Condition: NEW 2008 Omnibus-Walker hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket0, first printing. Content: There are many books about ancient Egypt, but this extraordinarily handsome one delves deeply into the various roles of the pharaoh, and, in the process, gives readers a much fuller understanding of Egyptian life. The book begins by introducing, Seti I, the living god and the father of Ramesses II. A brief history about the Old Kingdom melds into an explanation of the craftsmanship involved in building and decorating tombs, which flows naturally into a description of the beliefs and ceremonies surrounding death. In fact, one of the best things about this is the way the narrative moves simply and logically from topics such as flooding to farming and trading. But as fine as the text is, it more than meets its match in the masterful artwork. In a note, Kennett explains that the illustrations represent only about half the paintings he completed over three years, with inspiration coming from many sources, including photographs, film, and the works of other artists. An innovative design presents the art in a variety of ways. In one spread, readers are led inside a tomb. In another, a series of postage-stamp-size pictures (recreations of tomb paintings) take readers on a trip through the underworld. There’s much to see here, and children will want to look at the book again and again. A quality offering. Grades 4-7. [One of the best books I've ever seen on Ancient Egypt for kids!] Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 11.49 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

Picture the Past series: LIFE IN AN EGYPTIAN WORKERS' VILLAGE
by Jane Shuter. Color photos and drawings illustrate. Condition: NEW 2005 Heinemann large paperback, first printing. Content: This book is about daily life in the ancient Egyptian village of Deir el-Medina, where the workers who built the tombs of the Valley of the Kings lived. The time period covered is about 3100 BC to 30BC. Contents include: Pyramids and Tombs; Deir el-Medina; The Workers; Families; Hard Work; Skilled Work; Houses; Transportation and Trade; Free Time; Food; Religion; Deir el-Medina Now. Grades 4-7. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.19 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

Picture the Past series: LIFE IN A ROMAN FORT
by Jane Shuter. Color photos and drawings illustrate. Condition: NEW 2005 Heinemann large paperback, first printing. Content: This book is about daily life in forts in Roman times. The Romans ruled from about 735 BC to AD 476. Contents include: The Roman Army, Building the fort, Roads, Work, Clothes and Equipment, Health and Hygiene, Barracks, Food, Family Life, Shopping and entertainment, Religion. Grades 4-7. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.19 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

POLITICS, SOCIETY & LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE AGES
by various authors, including Fiona MacDonald. Beautiful, historically accurate color illustrations, photos, maps and cross-sections by various artists. Detailed color how-to photos for the crafts. Condition: UNREAD 2001 oversize Arness (UK) hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), first printing. Content: Discover how different civilizations tackled the problems and challenges of community living. This book travels through history (basically ancient history) to investigate how societies were organized and led. It uncovers a range of leadership styles, from tribal chieftains and warrior-kings to god-kings and imperial dynasties. Illustrated timeline highlights key moments in human history. Over 200 color photos and illustrations. Decorated endpages detail the ancient world. Ages 8+. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.49 + $ 3.39 media shipping.

PYRAMIDS: Egyptian, Nubian, Mayan, Aztec, Modern
by Anne Millard. Beautiful, vivid, detailed, & historically accurate color illustrations in the manner of the great DK history series. Condition: NEW 1966 Scholastic large soft cover, firt printing. Content: From the ancient ziggurats of Mespotamia and the steep pyramids of the Maya to the modern wonders of today, the engrossing text and beautifully detailed pictures of Pyramids provides a through historical overview of all types of pyramids. This meticulously illustrated reference also reveals how these awe-inspiring structures were constructed, what was kept inside them, and why they were so important to the different societies that produced them. An illustrated glossary and index help make this an even more enjoyable and easy-to-use reference. Also covers the Moche, Incas, & Java pyramids. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.49 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

THE RACE OF THE GOLDEN APPLES
by Claire Martin. Color illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon. Condition: Good to very good, pre-read 1991 Dial Books hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. No major problems, just pre-read. Content: Imposing paintings by the gifted Dillons, two-time winners of the Caldecott Medal, illustrate Martin's debut book: a stylish, lucid retelling of the myth of Atalanta. Deep in the forest, the goddess Diana raises this Greek princess, who was abandoned at birth by her cruel father. The child, who "delighted to swim swift-flowing rivers and ran like the wind," is not pleased when Diana tells her she must return to the kingdom of her aging father, who longs for an heir. But Atalanta goes and reluctantly agrees to marry, on the condition that her intended outrun her in a race--something no one has ever done. Venus comes to the aid of the winning suitor, Hippomenes, who has long been captivated by the princess. Framed by stylized arboreal designs, the Dillons' art is reminiscent of the medieval tapestries that inspired it. Geometric and floral patterns, as well as the fauna and flora of the forest, are rendered in stunning detail, and muted greens and golds contrast strikingly with luminous hues. Ages 4-8. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.49 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

RIVER THROUGH THE AGES
by Philip Steele. Color illustrations by Robert Ingpen. Condition: NEW 1995 Troll soft cover, first printing. Content: Follows human activities around a fictitious river as they represent the development of civilization over thousands of years, from the visits of Stone Age hunters to modern efforts to stem pollution. Ages 9-12. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.49 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

ROMAN NEWS (800 B.C. - A.D. 400)
by Candlewick Press. Great color illustrations. Condition: NEW 2009 Candlewick soft cover, reprint. Content: Browsable reads to whet the appetite. The "editors" (authors) of these two volumes have hit upon a unifying theme to chronicle the accomplishments of the ancients?a newspaper style. The Roman News and The Greek News are not exactly major city dailies; their format is more suggestive of a news magazine or at least a Sunday section highlighting fashion, sports, trade, food, and the military. Each page presents readable articles complete with headlines, boldface, column breaks, illustrations, and, often classifieds: instruments for sale; racing chariots built to order; reusable wax tablets. The front page (book cover) suggests a scope of approximately 1200 years, and the rise and fall of each empire is explained. A publisher's disclaimer also cautions that the ancients did not have newspapers (of course, they didn't even have paper!), but if they had, "they would have been reading...." Similar comments dart in and out of the news stories so that the entire tone is more human interest than ready reference. Such editorializing, however, only slightly distracts from the facts, which are accurate. Significant dates and events are all newsworthy. "Olympic Games Spoiled," "Caesar Stabbed," and "Hannibal Invades" are typical stories. The slightly oversized pages with decorative borders, sidebars, ads, and cartoons create an interesting layout. Many teachers would probably rejoice with the delivery of The Greek or Roman News as a project for a social-studies or whole-language unit. Kids can adopt this highly readable, albeit slightly sensationalized journalistic style. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.69 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

ROMANS (Lift & Look book)
by Pam Beasant. Great color illustrations by Mike Phillips. Condition: NEW 2007 Parragon (UK) hardcover over spiral binding (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), no printing given. Content: Lift the flaps to change the picture! Travel back in time to Ancient Rome. Who is fighting at the games? What's happening behind closed doors in the Roman street, and what is the Roman army getting up to? Discover lots of amazing facts and lift the flaps to change the picture. Excellent intro for kids to Ancient Rome. Questions welcome. [2 copies available]
$ 4.89 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

THE ROMANS (The Ancient World series)
by Pamela Odijk. Wonderful color photos of artifacts and art and color drawings. Condition: UNREAD 1990 Silver Burdett large soft cover, no printing given. Content: This is an overview of Roman society - but a very good one. It covers all facets of Roman society and achievement. Perfect for homeschooling junior high kids. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 2.49 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

SACRED SKIES: The facts and the fables (Landscapes of Legend series)
by Finn Bevan. Beautiful color illustrations by Diana Mayo. Condition: NEW 1998 Children's Press soft cover, no printing given. Content: This is a series of stories by the ancients as they tried to understand astronomy and constellations. Part of the Landscapes of Legend series. Legends: Spirits of the Sun (Japanese); Phases of the Moon (Chinese); Seeing Stars (Greek); Life-giving Rain (Aztec); Arches in the Sky (Aborigine); Stirring Up storms (Vikings) - plus Notes section. Excellent, IMHO. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 7.59 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

THE SARCOPHAGUS: Life and death on the Nile (History Through Objects series)
by Claudine Roland. Translated by Patrick White. Beautiful color illustrations by Jean-Michel Payet. Color photos of artifacts and maps. Condition: NEW 1995 Puffin Trade Paperback, first printing. Tiny edge wear. 45 pages. Content: This is an introduction to history through the visual examination of a tangible object that represents a specific period of history. The book starts with an overall view of the object, in this case the sarcophagus, followed by details of its manufacture. How the object and humans interacted over time gives a unique insight into a specific period detailing how the object has played a part in the making of history. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 2.00 + $ 2.94 media shipping.

SEE-THROUGH MUMMIES
by John Malam. Colorful and historically accurate illustrations by Julian Baker. Condition: NEW 2003 Running Press Kids large hardcover (pictorial boards) [13.3 x 9.8 x 0.4 (32 Pages)], first edition, first printing. Content: This book covers all of the Egyptian death rituals, including, of course, mummification - from the natural process to the ritualistic. But it is not gruesome for younger kids. Four printed acetate overlay pages provide a window into the past, beneath the mummy's wrapping and right into the magnificent pyramids and tombs in which they were placed. This is an illuminating look at the great tomb of Tutankhamun, the pyramid of Cheops, and the rituals, arts, gods, and rulers of the time. Excellent for your youngsters interested in more than movie mummies. Ages 6 +. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 6.89 + $ 3.49 media shipping.

A STREET THROUGH TIME: A 12,000-Year Walk Through History
by Dr. Anne Millard. Wonderful, detailed, historically accurate color illustrations by Steve Noon. Condition: UNREAD, but not perfect, c. 2000 DK hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), 12th printing American edition. DJ shows light shelf wear to top DJ edge. Interior perfect. Content: With each turn of its elongated pages, this imaginative volume graphically reveals the continuity of history. Beginning in the year 10,000 B.C., in a Stone Age hunters' camp, the book reveals how its riverfront location is key to the site's development. This primitive camp is the germ of the modern, bustling, big-city street viewed in the concluding double-page spread. In between, each panoramic image of this same locale witnesses significant achievements of each spotlighted epoch. The view from the Iron Age of 600 B.C. makes clear the impact of iron tools and weapons, and the next page jumps to A.D. 100 when the Roman influence means large stone buildings, a bridge, and an elaborate lifestyle. The medieval centuries draw repeated attention: first, the street as part of a village is visited in the 1200s; increased prosperity and growth see the village blossom into a town in the 1400s; the scene of the 1500s, eerily painted at night, intensifies the grisly realities of the Black Plague of that era. The text is printed in the borders, surrounding the pages and serving as a guide through the elaborately detailed illustrations, where keen-eyed readers can spot elements of humor and everyday life portrayed by the diminutive residents peopling the pages. There are also Where's Waldotype gimmicks to make a game of gleaning the most information from the busy artwork. A fun and effective way to lure youngsters into the study and enjoyment of history. Ages 9 - 12+. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 8.39 + $ 3.39 media shipping.

THE TIME TRAVELLER BOOK OF PHARAOHS & PYRAMIDS
by Tony Allen. Detailed, historically accurate color illustrations by Toni Goffe. Condition: Gently pre-read 1978 Usborne - Hayes large soft cover, no printing given. Reissue. Content: Time Traveller books form a children's introduction to life long ago. The books deal mainly with the mor exciting aspects of everyday lie - journeys, feasts and holidays. Tehse are specially chose to show how life is changed and shaped by historical events. This book is set at the time of the New Kingdom, the most prosperous and powerful period of ancient Egyptian history. Besides home life, it covers war, agriculture and religion. It shows how the pyramids were built and explains how hieroglyphic writing worked. The illustrations for the book are the result of wide and careful research - based on wall paintings, stone reliefs, the remains of temples and tombs. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.59 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

TROJAN HORSE: The World's Greatest Adventure (DK Readers - Level 4)
by David Clement-Davies. Perfect & historically accurate color illustrations which always mark a "DK" product. Condition: NEW 2004 DK soft cover, 5th printing. Content: Clement-Davies retells the story of The Iliad from the quarrel over the golden apple to the fall of Troy. DK's trademark layout illustrates perfectly both the benefits and drawbacks of the technique. It allows for explanations that would be awkward to include within the text, but the narrative flow of this exciting adventure story is constantly interrupted. Colorful, dramatic drawings illustrate the tale. The sidebars consist of full-color photos, illustrations, and art reproductions. The writing is good, if not exceptional. The reading level and page design make the book suitable for reluctant readers. The Iliad (Kingfisher, 1997), retold by Ian Strachan, is better written and tells the story in more depth, but is intended for an older audience. The Trojan Horse (McElderry, 1992), retold and illustrated by Warwick Hutton, focuses on the fall of Troy, with the events leading up to the appearance of the horse only briefly described. Level 4 reading level. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.89 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

TROJAN HORSE: The World's Greatest Adventure (Step Into Reading - Level 4)
by Emily Little. Beautiful, historically accurate color illustrations by Michael Eagle. Condition: NEW c. 2002 Random House soft cover, 9th printing. Content: "An ancient history lesson emerges from this account of the way the Greeks tricked the Trojans and rescued Helen of Troy. The book is well tailored to younger readers with careful explanations and short sentences; a pronunciation guide is appended. Drawings portray the story's main events. A nice supplement to units on ancient Greece or mythology." Level 4 reading level. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 2.19 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

TROY AND KNOSSOS (Digging Up the Past Children's series)
by Peter Hicks. Color photos, drawings, and maps plus B&W era photos illustrate. Condition: NEW 1997 Steck Vaughn (Austin) hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ), first printing. Content: This book recounts the stories behind the discovery of Troy and Knossos by archaeologists Heinrich Schliemann and Arthur Evans respectively. Includes a timeline, glossary, further reading list and an index. Suitable for the National Curriculum History Key Stages 2/3. Covers digs, sites, archaeologists, myths, etc. Ages 9 - 12. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.89 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

TUTANKHAMEN'S TOMB [Pop-up Book)
text by Jen Green. Beautiful color drawings and artifact photos. Condition: Gently pre-read 2007 Quarto/Barron's large hard cover (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), first American printing. Problem: I can't really tell if the book is pre-read, but it has been perused on the shelf and because it is such a large book, there is shelfwear to the bottom cover spine & bottom board edges. All of the pop-ups are in perfect working order. Content: Combining words and unusual illustrations that incorporate pop-ups, pull tabs, wheels, and flaps, this book tells the dramatic story of archaeologist Howard Carter and his amazing journey to Egypt that culminated with his discovery in 1923 of Tutankhamen's tomb. This beautifully illustrated volume features stunning color photos of objects discovered in Tutankhamen's tomb, as it takes boys and girls along on a virtual archaeological dig. They explore the boy pharaoh's tomb and gain insights into the ancient Egyptian civilization, with emphasis on the Egyptians' particular form of belief in an afterlife. Die-cut holes in the book's pages are part of an ingenious design in which a model of Tutankhamen's sarcophagus literally pops up when the book is opened. And a "sliding door" on the front cover's tomb illustration can be moved back to reveal an illustration of the mummy. The book's lively narrative style includes excerpts from Howard Carter's diary and brings his adventure fully alive. Here is a beautifully designed book that is every bit as much fun as it is educational. The pop-ups are: Carter discovering the tomb; pyramids; Valey of the Kings; shrine; second coffin; Tut's mask; canopic shrine; the boat for reaching the underworld. There are various pull tabs and flaps. Wonderful, even if the outside is rough. Questions encouraged. [1 copy available]
$ 8.49 + $ 3.59 media shipping.

THE USBORNE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ANCIENT GREECE
by Jane Chisholm, et al. Color illustrations by various artists. Condition: UNREAD c. 2004 Scholatic large paperback, 7th printing. Content: This comprehensive encyclopedia brings Ancient Greece to life, Lavishly illustrated with stunning photographs, detailed maps, dramatic cutaways and reconstructions of historical events, this is the only reference book on Ancient Greece you'll ever need. [1 copy available]
$ 6.79 + $ 3.40 media shipping.

VICIOUS VIKINGS (Horrible Histories series)
by Terry Deary. Hilarious, but historically accurate, B&W comic illustrations by Martin Brown. Condition: NEW 2007 Scholastic (UK) Trade Paperback, reissue. Content: Reviewer: "This book will either leave you shivering from the stories that are scarier than a Vicious Viking ghost or sickening your sickened teacher with amazingly gruesome facts. But be warned! If you let any grown-up read this book, they will be just as clever as you! They shall tell your teacher everything they know, so you cannot sicken them (now that would be a disaster!). So hide your book carefully. I say this is cool with hot pictures! I gave it 10 out of 10!" We get to learn about: why some vicious Vikings had names like Fat-thighs, Oaf and Stinking; how to build a vicious Viking longboat; which vicious Viking god dressed up as a woman. Excellent way to get kids interested in history. Grades 5 - 8. {Note: One section deals with the writings of Ibn Fadlan about the "Russian" Vikings and their "burial" practices. These writings are also the basis for parts of Michael Crichten's Eaters of the Dead and his movie of this book, The 13th Warrior.] [2 copies available]
$ 6.00 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

THE VICIOUS VIKINGS STICKER BOOK (Horrible Histories series)
by Terry Deary. Hilarious, but historically accurate, color illustrations by martin Brown. Condition: NEW 1994 CE (London) via Scholastic soft cover, second printing. Content: No one does Kid's history like Horrible Histories. Reviewer: "The facts were fun and easily memorable due to the great graphics and comic book style format." Fun and historically accurate - who could ask for anything more? Over 100 re-peelable stickers. Pair this with CE's Vicious Vikings. Grades 5 - 8. [1 copy left]
$ 3.50 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO BE AN EGYPTIAN MUMMY! Disgusting Things You'd Rather Not Know
by David Stewart. Great comic color illustrations by David Antram. Condition: UNREAD 2001 Scholastic soft cover, first pritning. Light shelf wear hinge crease. Interior perfect. Content: Get ready! As a wealthy ancient Egyptian, you are about to drop dead! To enter the afaterlife, your body must go through extraordinary processes to become a mummy. It's disgusting! This is an historically correct and very funny look at the Egyptian process of mummification - not just for kids! Reviewer: "This book puts you in the seat of being the mummy and goes through the steps of you going from dead to becoming a mummy and beyond. This book (and the series) provides a great learning tool while mixing in humor." Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.59 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

ANCIENT EGYPT BOOKPLATES For Kids
art by LeliaDraws. Condition: NEW package of 12 bookplates made by pacaritambo books. The peel-off label stock is heavier than most bookplate materials and is matte and not glossy. They are as perfect as possible, and we feel the subject matter is much different than you can get anywhere else. 2.5 wide x 4.0 high. Content: Adorable drawing of an Egyptian child with the symbols of her religion and culture. We can personalize your bookplate (the font is BernhardMod BT) - just email us the name. Any questions, click here to email us.
$ 4.00 + $ 2.85 first class shipping. International shipping available.