The Great Pyramid: The story of the farmers, the god-king and the most astonding structure ever built (Wonders of the World Book) - Hardcover

Mann, Elizabeth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0965049310 ISBN 13: 9780965049313

Publisher: Mikaya Press, 1996

Synopsis

Nearly 50 stories high, The Great Pyramid was built more than 4,500 years ago, made from over 2,300,00 giant stone blocks and constructed by primitive farmers. Some believe aliens from outer space created it, but the true story of the Great Pyramid is even more fascinating than the speculation.

A nation of farmers living on the green edge of a harsh desert had a king who was a god in life and death. Tens of thousands of farmers left their homes each year to chisel hard stone without iron tools and move 10-ton blocks up steep grades without the use of a wheel.

Elizabeth Mann captures the marvel that is The Great Pyramid and the people that built it. She tells the story of a world that is strange, distant and yet poignantly human. In the process, The Great Pyramid and the Old Kingdom become more than dusty remnants of an ancient civilization; they come alive.

Laura Lo Turco's shimmering paintings are a perfect visual complement to the text, combining reality with a sense of awe and mystery. Photographs of haunting 4,500-year old walls and statues let Ancient Egypt remind the young reader that these people were indeed real.

Wonders of the World series

The winner of numerous awards, this series is renowned for Elizabeth Mann's ability to convey adventure and excitement while revealing technical information in engaging and easily understood language. The illustrations are lavishly realistic and accurate in detail but do not ignore the human element. Outstanding in the genre, these books are sure to bring even the most indifferent young reader into the worlds of history, geography, and architecture.

"One of the ten best non-fiction series for young readers."
- Booklist

About this title

About the Author

Elizabeth Mann has written nine Wonders of the World books, an award-winning series. She is former teacher in New York, holds an M.S.E. and is cofounder of Mikaya Press.

Laura Lo Turco works from her studio in Brooklyn, New York. The Great Pyramid was her third book.

Reviews

Grade 4-6. Two eye-catching titles that feature an informative mix of historical reproductions, striking illustrations, and clearly presented texts. Each book opens with an attention-grabbing fictional scene. The Brooklyn Bridge begins on the Fulton Ferry, where John Roebling and his son discuss the need for a more efficient method of crossing the East River. The design, step-by-step construction, personalities involved, multiple setbacks, and ultimate completion of this New York City landmark are all presented in a readable narrative, supported by diagrams and dramatic illustrations. In the first pages of The Great Pyramid, an enthusiastic farm boy leaves his small village to help construct the tomb of the pharaoh Khufu. The book touches briefly on the religious beliefs and social structure of ancient Egypt, while focusing on Khufu's reign and the construction and design of his 50-story monument. The full-page paintings are stunning; touched with tones of gold and textures that reflect a desert setting, they point to the mystery of this ancient civilization. Captioned, full-color photos of artifacts also enhance the well-written text. Both of these beautifully designed titles include fold-out sections that give readers a sense of the size of these structures. Although they include enough information for homework assignments, these books are a browser's paradise.?Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Mikaya Press
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0965049310
• ISBN 13: 9780965049313
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Turco Laura Lo
• Number of pages: 48