Story Of The World #1 Ancient Times Revised From Earliest Nomads To Last Roman Empire

The book is widely praised as an excellent resource for gaining a foundational understanding of ancient world history. Reviewers consistently highlight its engaging and simple writing style, which effectively makes history come alive for young readers and adults alike. Many appreciate how it provides a crucial historical framework, helping them contextualize other readings and mentally organize information. It is frequently recommended for homeschooling curricula, with parents noting their children, ranging from elementary to early middle school ages, were captivated and learned a great deal. The book is lauded for its bite-sized sections, clear introduction of vocabulary, and its inclusion of myths, folktales, and etymological discussions, fostering a genuine interest in the past. It covers a broad range of ancient civilizations and is seen as a valuable introduction to more detailed historical studies, often inspiring further learning.

Despite its strengths, several reviewers express significant concerns regarding the book's biases and accuracy. A prominent criticism is its strong Judeo-Christian slant, with some feeling that Biblical narratives, including miracles, are presented as undisputed historical fact while stories from other cultures are categorized as myth. This approach is noted as potentially confusing for young readers and requiring parental intervention for critical discussion. Reviewers also point out some inaccuracies and oversimplifications, particularly concerning Roman history, and wonder if similar errors exist in sections on less familiar cultures. The arrangement of material, which sometimes moves back and forth in time rather than strictly chronologically, can be confusing. Additionally, some feel the book focuses disproportionately on Western Civilization and omits certain aspects of history, or crucial details from Biblical accounts it chooses to include.

Overall, the book is considered a useful and engaging introduction to ancient history, particularly for its target audience. While its biases and occasional inaccuracies necessitate a discerning approach, many reviewers conclude that its benefits, especially in providing an accessible and captivating overview, outweigh these concerns. It is highly recommended for homeschooling families, parents seeking a literature-based history curriculum for elementary or early middle school children, and anyone looking for an initial, broad framework of ancient times. Readers who are prepared to critically engage with the material, supplement information, and discuss different perspectives with their children will likely find this series to be a valuable and enjoyable educational tool.