Timelines of Science and Technology Set

Grade 8 Up–A well-executed, fact-filled set. Double-page articles on specific topics such as the invention of the wheel and the discovery of penicillin are combined with time lines describing general categories such as life science, technology, space exploration, and math. Volume one provides information on the contributions of ancient peoples such as the Arabs, Celts, and Chinese, and each volume contains a section describing the work of key people of the era. Color illustrations, archival photographs, charts, maps, and sidebars add interest and content. See also references are included at the top of each article. Each volume contains a thorough set index. The glossaries seem haphazard at times, including words that are not specific to the volume. Coverage can be uneven–for example, in discussing evolution, much of the space is used to describe Darwin's journey on the Beagle, while the theory itself is only briefly outlined. Although most sciences are covered, geology is given short shrift. In spite of minor limitations, this is an excellent work.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY
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This set presents an overview of the history of science and technology worldwide from prehistory (11,000 years ago) up until 2005. The format is similar to Grolier's Timelines of History, reviewed in the September 1, 2006, issue. Each volume includes an introduction that clearly explains how to use the set. Also, in the introductory matter of the first volume, there is a listing of the set contents.

Material is presented in two different types of articles--"Timeline Articles" and "Special Features"--on alternating two-page spreads. Each spread covers a period of time ranging from several centuries to a couple of years. The time lines for recent historical events are spread out over two double-page spreads. Time-line pages are arranged in rows, each offering highlights for specific disciplines in science and technology, among them "Astronomy and Math," "Physics and Chemistry," and "Transportation and Engineering."^B The disciplines are color coded, which fosters both ease of use and visual appeal. Within each of the rows, events are listed in chronological order across the page. Each time-line entry is one or two sentences. All entries are only identified by year, even if the event occurred on a specific day. Cross-references appear at the top of the page, making them easy to spot.

The "Special Feature" spreads highlight specific topics and individuals mentioned in the time lines. Examples from volume 5, which covers 1775-1839, include "The Beginning of Railroads," "The Birth of Photography," and "Charles Darwin." Each feature spread includes its own subject--specific listing of key dates. The narratives in the features are thorough and detailed, and most are eight paragraphs in length. At the conclusion of each volume is a section on "Key Peoples." This section offers more information on individuals mentioned elsewhere in the volume and is cross-referenced from throughout the text.

The layout is clean and colorful and lends itself to browsing. Well-annotated illustrations, including maps, photographs, and drawings, appear on every page. Boxed areas are also used to highlight specific topics. Each volume concludes with a glossary, a comprehensive index, and lists of materials for further reading and useful Web sites. The set would be a useful purchase for public and school libraries, especially those already owning Timelines of History. Maren Ostergard
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