Big Buildings of the Ancient World: X Ray Picture Book (The X-Ray Picture Book)

Depicts ancient and medieval buildings and how they were built

Gr 3-6-Jessop examines 10 ``big'' buildings, devoting two double-page spreads to each. The first spread gives brief historical information and an overview of the structure, while the second one offers more detailed information on construction techniques, materials, and architectural elements. Full-color, cut-away drawings are used frequently, but occasionally are too small to be of much value. The Great Pyramid, the Colosseum, Notre Dame, Mont St. Michel, and the Forbidden City are included, among others. Pages are cluttered with illustrations and text, and details are often repeated. A two-page glossary defines many unfamiliar words, although no pronunciation assistance is provided. The index is detailed but seems unnecessary, since the book will be used mostly for browsing. More buildings, but fewer details, are offered in Philip Wilkinson's Amazing Buildings (Dorling Kindersley, 1993). Purchase Jessop's title only where demand is high.-Jeanette Larson, Texas State Library, Austin

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