History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous FICTIONAL story of great king with FACTUAL epilogue
A tale of the former greatness of Africa

Mansa Musa: The Lion of Mali
Khephra Burns
Manufacturer: Gulliver Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0152003754

Amazon.com

When a stranger in a sky blue robe appears in the 14th century Malian village of Kaba Kangaba, young Kankan Musa is spellbound. He joins the other villagers in an evening of stories and celebration... only to have the spell broken by the arrival of slave raiders who seize Kankan and carry him off to the desert. Here begins our hero's story: is he destined to be a slave for life? Or will this be the launch of a journey to self-discovery and maturity?

Khephra Burns's exquisitely told account of one of the greatest kings of Mali is based solidly in fact, although the details of his boyhood are imagined. Partnered with the rich, breathtaking illustrations by two-time Caldecott Medalists, Leo and Diane Dillon (Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears and Ashanti to Zulu), this beautifully formatted picture book will capture the imagination and fascination of children everywhere. (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

When an evening celebration in his village is disrupted by the cries of slave raiders, young Kankan Musa runs to find his spear, but in a moment he is taken. Suddenly, the world he has known is gone. Is he to be a slave? Or will destiny carry this son of a proud people to a different future?
Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon capture the grandeur of Africa's ancient empires, lands, and people in stunning paintings as this richly imagined tale of the boyhood of Mansa Musa, one of Mali's most celebrated kings, carries us across the continent on a triumphant journey of self-discovery.

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous FICTIONAL story of great king with FACTUAL epilogue.......2005-12-21

If you are looking for a strictly historical book, go elsewhere. The main story is entirely fictional. However, it is beautifully told and gorgeously illustrated, and it is well researched historical fiction. No, we know nothing of the childhood of the famous Mansa Musa--however, the portrayal of the cultures and ways of life of the people is vivid and accurate, and this legend-like tale will surely gain a deserving place in the canon of children's literature.

For educational use, this is of fairly limited *factual* use because of the dearth of written accounts about Mansa Musa and his reign and, as a result, the fictional nature of the main narrative. However, the epilogue is factual (if not completely impervious to debate), and the entire book would be great as a fictional supplement to the study of the Middle Ages, especially as it takes the point of view of a non-Western culture and focuses upon an important historical figure who is often glossed over (because of lack of information and his lack of impact upon the West) in typical courses of study.

This book also does NOT have a militant, strident Afrocentric agenda, as, unfortunately, many American-published books about African culture have. It would be excellent for people of any background who enjoy history, good story-telling, and breathtaking illustrations.

For other great, beautifully illustrated, African-oriented picture books, try these:

Why do Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears? - an animal myth

The Marriage of the Rain-Goddess - based on a South African myth, it contains many elements common to African folklore and fairytales (such as the substitute bride)

African Princess - nonfiction about 6 royal women of Africa, from ancient Egypt to the 20th (and 21st) century. Painted illustrations are limited to one portrait per woman, but the book is fascinating and unusual, and photographs are skillfully chosen to complement the text.

African Princes - Complement to African Princesses.

A tale of the former greatness of Africa.......2005-01-10

There is a great deal of historical evidence in support of the mighty empire of Mali and the trek of the great king Mansa Musa across the Sahara Desert to Mecca. Some European historical accounts have him listed as the king of all of Africa. There is solid historical evidence that he lived in the early 1300's and further evidence that a mighty fleet of ships departed from the kingdom and made landfall in the Western Hemisphere during his reign. This would mean that their arrival predated the voyage of Christopher Columbus by almost two centuries.
This story is an account of the life of Mansa Musa before he became king, and while the background is historically accurate, most of the account of his life before he became king is fictional. Some of it is based on cultural myths that are still part of the Mali culture, but it is clear that there were once mighty empires in Africa. I found this book very interesting because it tells of an aspect of African history that we in the west rarely if ever hear about. The empires of Egypt and Nubia are part of the historical education of every western child, but the mighty nations that once existed in other parts of Africa are largely ignored. Most of the Africans captured and sold into slavery were from the northwest section of Africa and it is a western cultural myth that they were savages. From the historical events on which this book is based, a strong and civilized nation existed in that area several centuries before the slave trade began.
The authors do a good job in writing about the early life of Mansa Musa. It is an appropriate blend of a story for children with just enough adult features to make it appeal to all ages. Once I completed the book, my interest was so aroused that I did an online search for books on Mansa Musa and the empire of Mali.

Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (The Royal Diaries)

Average customer rating:

The Royal Diaries: Nzingha
Sooooooo SHORT!!!!!
Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba
Phenomenal
An excellent new addition to the Royal Diaries!

Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (The Royal Diaries)
Patricia McKissack
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0439112109

Amazon.com

In 1595, Nzingha is the strong, intelligent daughter of the Ngola (leader) of the Mbundu people of Ndongo (in modern-day Angola), loyal to her people and willing to fight for them. Unfortunately, because she is a girl, her brother is the favored child, in training to become the next Ngola, even though he is whiny, stupid, and slow (according to Nzingha). But Ajala, a respected seer, believes that Nzingha is destined to be the leader of Ndongo, and begins preparing her for this future. Nzingha's father fights to keep the Portuguese from taking over their homeland, yet it is Nzingha, ultimately, who acts as the go-between for her people and the Portuguese, negotiating acceptable relations in order to keep peace and power for the Mbundu.

Based on true historical events, places, people, and customs, this novel portrays the fascinating details of a remarkable young woman's strength and courage in defending her world against subterfuge, spies, and the onslaught of the Portuguese. Historical notes, photos, illustrations, maps, the Ngola family tree, and a glossary and pronunciation guide are included for a comprehensive understanding of a complex era. Patricia McKissack is the well-respected and award-winning author of over 100 children's books and historical novels, including the Newbery Honor book The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural and Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love (from the Dear America series). (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

Customer Reviews:

The Royal Diaries: Nzingha.......2007-08-13

For both young and more mature readers, this is the story of 12-year-old Nzingha. The year is 1595, and Nzingha is the independent and intelligent daughter of the ngola of the Mbundu people. She hunts with her sisters, prepares for her coming of age ceremony, struggles for her father to notice her, and faces conflict throughout the book. This book is a great read. Fantastic for all ages. I suggest it to anyone who likes historical fiction, for it is an interesting spin on royal life, and appropriate and easy enough for the young reader, but has enough drama for the adult crowd. I wish it was longer, however, at 90 pages this is a quick read!!! Two thumbs up!!!

Sooooooo SHORT!!!!!.......2006-12-03

i read this book a few days ago and i thought i would be good after reading the first few pages. But after reading for a while, after about 90 pages, the STORY ended and went to Epilouge. The Epilouge is just talk talk talk. Very boring, and the rest of the book is all like pictures.

I might have made the book sound very bad but i would recommend it for people who want to read a liite short story. There are also some very funny lines in the book that made me laugh! haha

Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba.......2006-05-17

Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba
By Patricia C. McKissack

"I wondered what it must be like to be on a ship flying over the water to Brazil. The horror of it was beyond my understanding. Suddenly, there was noise at my door. The Pombeiros and several guards entered. 'Come with us.' Then speaking to several guards, one said, 'Hold her tight. She is a young leopard.'" (McKissack, 79)

The old saying "never judge a book by it's cover" is one truth I have never had a problem with, until I came across this one book in particular. When I first saw the Royal Diaries book "Nzignha, Warrior Queen of Matamba," I thought for sure I would have not liked it. With the front cover depicted of an African girl holding a bow and arrows, and the background that of a barren desert, I presumed the layout of the book would be anything but royal and fancy. However, little did I know, stories can sometimes be very different from one's assumption.

One out of nineteen books in the Royal Diaries series, "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba" by Patricia C. McKissack, sets in Angola, Africa, in the year of 1595. Nzingha is an adventurous, bold thirteen-year-old girl, and second heir to the throne of Ndongo. Throughout the book, which is written in diary format, Nzingha talks about the war with Angola's bitter enemy, the Portuguese, as well as what she would do to improve the land of the Mbundu if she were Queen, though does not discuss anything too exciting in which to capture your interest. At 136 pages, the plot of "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba" is somewhat dry and tedious, and tends to quickly move on to other subjects without a thorough explanation. I must admit however, it pleases me that the authors of the Royal Diaries series are starting to represent girls in royal families, but with cultures and backgrounds much different from that of, say, Elizabeth I or Marie Antoinette.

As an avid reader of the Royal Diaries, I am not sorry I read the book, but am rather disappointed with the complete layout of the story. Mrs. McKissack could have done a better job adding clarification and activity to the real life character of Nzingha, one of the greatest women monarchs of African history. Unless you are new to the Royal Diaries series, and are anxious to learn about the lives of various queens in history, I would not recommend reading "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba."

Overall grade: C + (or 3)

Phenomenal.......2005-09-19

This book is my introduction to the Royal Diaries series, it has propelled me to seek out more from this line. I loved the story of a strong, independent, and determined young girl growing to become a woman in a male-dominated time. I feel this book was very informative and am truly disappointed by some of the reviews for this book. I do wish it was longer, as I found the story quite intriguing. Young Nzingha learns that not all your enemies are your enemies, with friends among the foe. I love the insight into the Mbundu people. I feel it was meant to give you a view into the people, not of the land of Angola. I will definitely be adding this one to the shelf for my daughter.

An excellent new addition to the Royal Diaries!.......2005-08-14

The year is 1595, and princess Nzingha is living a life of luxury in Angola, Africa. Her father is the respected ngola of Ndongo and many predict that he will be suceeded by his first son, Mtambi. Nzingha writes about her life in Africa as an important royal in the African Royal family. Nzingha lives an active life as she goes hunting with her friends and learns about the evil Portugese. She earns her say in court and is pretty much happy with her life, until she learns that her people are being enslaved by fiendish Portugese slave-traders. Eager to gain the leadership of Ngola and respect of all, Nzingha sets out on an important mission to save her people from the realm of the Portugese Slave-traders.

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The wonders of sundiata
Sundiata
Ignore previous review
Okay, but how do people view Sologon as extraordinary?
Cheers for the Real Lion King

Sundiata: Lion King of Mali
David Wisniewski
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0395764815

Book Description

In the thirteenth century, Sundiata overcame physical handicaps, social disgrace, and strong opposition to rule the West African trading empire of Mali.

Customer Reviews:

The wonders of sundiata.......2005-12-13

My history teacher read us this book and thought it was great. I hope to own it some day. also the pictures are beautiful.

Sundiata.......2005-06-19

With an intended audience range of 4 year olds to 8 years old, this book treads on dangerous territory. In a culture of violence, do we really want to introduce sorcery, curses, witches, and violence in a positive light to our pre-schoolers? I give 1 star as a token vote for the admirable illustrations.

Ignore previous review.......2004-10-23

For anyone concerned by the previous Nov. 2003 review - Wisniewski's book does not contain this episode. The reviewer must be thinking of another version (although I can't argue with the sentiment!)

Okay, but how do people view Sologon as extraordinary?.......2003-11-09

This book was basically like a prophecy to be filledand I didn'y like how Sologon nad to be drugged to become pregnant by her husband. Marriage doesn't mean controlling someone's body or mind. Marriage is vows and commitment.

Cheers for the Real Lion King.......2000-06-14

Anyone who wants to introduce a child (or even someone who is not so young) to the REAL glories of ancient Africa could do a lot worse than start with this book.

Beautifully illustrated, and simply written it retells the life of the great culture hero Sunjata (variously spelled Sundiata, Son-Jara or other ways depending on the language and inclination of the translator).

According to the story, Sunjata defeated the sorcerer-king Suma'oro Kante and liberated the Manding people (of modern day Guinea, Mali, plus parts of Senegal, Gambia, Cote D'Ivoire and Burkina Faso) wielding them together into a great empire in the mid 13th century. To modern Manding poeple, Sunjata is roughly equivalent in stature to Abraham Lincoln, Moses or the first Qin Emperor.

This version is very close to the original tale as told by the griots of west Africa (check out D.T. Niane's "Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali" for a traditional telling of the story or, for the really adventurous, D.W. Johnson and Fa-Digi Cissoko's scholarly rendition "Son-Jara: An African Epic"). A sung version of part of the Sunjata fassa (epic praise poem) can be found on the CD "An Be Kelen (We are One): Griot Music from Mali" also available on Amazon.

Sunjata's story includes sorcery, prodigious battles, and the triumph of nobility over gossip and envy. For modern readers, an especially powerful feature is the famous story of Sunjata overcoming childhood disability (he is crippled and -in some versions, unable to talk) to become the leader of the Malian people.

One final critical point: While Wisniewski's version is fairly faithful to the original, it should be pointed out that key secondary figures (such as Sunjata's mother Sogolon Keju, his sister Nana Triban, Fran Camara (the king of the Blacksmith clan), and above all, Sunjata's griot Bala Fasseke Kouyate) are given little mention. Thus it replicates a western emphasis on key individuals rather than stressing the importance of each of the various segments of Manding society (men, women, siblings, parents, warriors, traders, sorcerers, griots, blacksmiths, farmers)which was an essential point in the original story.

Book Description

A chronicle of Ethiopia's history.

Customer Reviews:

Good General Historical Info. for Rastafari Movement.......2005-06-15

This is a great reference book detailing the kingship of Ethiopia as a national state. Jahson does a great job entailing the story and works of some past Emperors of Ethiopia. The reason why I gave this book only 3 stars is because of the missing historical facts that the authors leaves out, and some that are just not true. Such as, the authors writes that the Aksumite people were merged with immigrants that were semetic. This is not true! There are no semetics in ET. This author is refering to the India tribes that were apart of the Aksumite people. Which are many many different tribes. Also the language of GE'EZ is nothing but a cursive writing of MTU NTR (Egyptian writing). And the Ethiopians zenith was way before the 4th AD?? The 18th to 25th dynasties of anicent egypt were ruled by Aksumite rulers. Where is that history? Bob Marley said it the best "half the story has never been told". But this is a good reference book of the history of Ethiopia as a Christian state, and the emergence of Ethiopian from it's pre-Christianity history.

IBLE REVIEW.......2000-03-17

THIS CHRONOLOGY OF ETHIOPIAN KINGS FROM MAKEDA, QUEEN OF SHEBA'S SON MENELIK (1OTH CENTURY B.C)TO THE LAST EMPEROR KNOWN AS THE IMPERIAL MAJESTY EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE 1(1930AD-1974AD) IT INCLUDES A BRIEF BUT DETAILED I-STORY,SOME I-TRAITS AND QUOTES FROM STRONG AND INFLUENTIAL CONTRIBUTORS TO SOCIETY.HE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON DYNASTIES,SUCCESSIVE RELIGIONS AND FAMILY INTERESTS. FINALLY HE GRACES THE READER WITH QUOTES FROM HIS MAJESTY HAILIE SELASSIE I ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS CRUCIAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF HUMANITY AS WE KNOW IT.

Saba: Under the Hyena's Foot (Girls of Many Lands)

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Saba Under the Hyena's Foot
One of the few great books about African culture!

Saba: Under the Hyena's Foot (Girls of Many Lands)
Jane Kurtz
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1584857471

Customer Reviews:

Saba Under the Hyena's Foot.......2004-10-04

Saba Under the Hyena's Foot
By Kurtz
Historical Fiction
Character Motivation
By Jamie (age 9)
"I turned to flee. Out of nowhere hands grabbed me." This book is about twelve year old Saba and how she found out she was royalty. But when she did find out mean Empress Menen tried to get rid of Saba by marrying her to a prince. But Saba has one week to find her brother and escape. Will Saba do it? How? Reed the book and see!!

Saba's goal is to find her Emama and her brother. Her motivation is the unhappy thought of being married to a prince makes her keep trying. Another motivation she has is to be with her only family her and Emama (grandmother.) Another motivation she has is to get away from the evil Empress Menen.

Even though every book in this series is historical fiction the author's make the book seem so real like it was really happening. I recommend this book for girls ages 9-15 that have read at least one book in this series before. I like this book because it has a lot of detail that support the main idea. For instance, Saba would not take off her barebaso slippers because they were given to her in kindness. I hope if you read this book you will enjoy it as much as I did.

One of the few great books about African culture!.......2003-10-29

Twelve-year-old Saba is a regular girl living in the country of Ethopia in 1846. Like any regular girl she has a brother, Mesfin, and a strict grandmother whom she adores greatly. Everything is well for her until she and her brother disobey and venture out of their home, where they are kidnapped and brought to the royal palace. It is there that Saba finally learns of her true identity. At first, Saba, keenly unaware of the dangers of the court, can only delight in her new found surroundings. Unfortuantely, innocence can not last forever, and she learns of a deadly threat to her and her brother...one that threatens their very lives and freedom. Yet, Saba is determined to use her wits to save her and her brother from the treacherous inner working of the court.

Book Description

A young girl makes some reassuring discoveries about her identity when she visits her mother's island home in this upbeat story matched with bold, richly patterned illustrations.

I walk tall and say, "I'm Lyra. I'm an African princess. That's me."

Lyra's mama tells her that she's a princess from Africa. But at school
the kids poke fun and call her silly. How many African princesses have
freckles and live on the tenth floor? But on a visit to the Caribbean, Lyra meets her Taunte May, who shows Lyra how she is one in a long line of princesses from Africa. Based on author Lyra Edmonds's own life and beautifully illustrated with Anne Wilson's richly textured art, this is the wonderful story of a child who learns to be proud of who she is.

Average customer rating:

A good book for beginners.

Hatshepsut, His Majesty, Herself
Catherine M Andronik
Manufacturer: Atheneum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0689825625

Book Description

MEET HATSHEPSUT,
PHAROAH OF EGYPT

Here is an engaging and informative picture-book biography, lushly illustrated by award-winning artist Joseph Daniel Fiedler, of Egypt's only successful female pharaoh.

Hatshepsut gained Egypt's throne when all her male siblings -- including the half brother whom she married -- died. Originally named regent to her nephew, Tuthmosis III, Hatshepsut gradually assumed more and more power, and eventually had herself crowned pharaoh. Since no word existed for a female ruler, Hatshepsut used the male title. She also wore men's clothing and a beard, and referred to herself as "he" as well as "she."

Hatshepsut's reign was a peaceful and prosperous one. She sent an expedition to explore Punt, an exotic land of riches, and built beautiful monuments, including a magnificent temple on which she had artists carve and paint scenes from her life and reign.

Following her death, Tuthmosis III tried to erase evidence of Hatshepsut's reign to make it seem as though he had succeeded his father directly. Catherine M. Andronik explains how, despite this vandalism, archaeologists have been able to piece together the story of this unconventional pharaoh's remarkable and mysterious life.

Customer Reviews:

A good book for beginners........2001-06-25

"Hatshepsut, His Majesty, Herself" is a very good book for children or people who just want a straight forward history of the first succesful female pharoah in ancient Egypt. This was the first book I read of Hatshepsut and I enjoyed it alot. It encouraged me to begin to learn more about her. She was truly a great ruler and worth investigating further. The book consists of a basic history of Hatshepsut and her accomplishments. If you liked this book check out a longer young adult novel "His Majesty, Queen Hatshepsut" by 'Dorothy Sharp Carter'.

The White Horse (Sally (Bethlehem Books))

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The White Horse (Sally (Bethlehem Books))
Elizabeth Coatsworth
Manufacturer: Bethlehem Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1883937868

Average customer rating:

Okay book, but could be better
Not bad
The Wait Is Over

Far Traveler
Rebecca Tingle
Manufacturer: G. P. Putnam's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0399238905

Book Description

When King Edward gives his niece ®lfwyn two choices-marry one of his allies or become a nun-Wyn is at a loss to decide. Her strong, warrior mother has just died, so it's impossible to know what she would have wanted.
Wyn takes the first risk of her life and flees. Disguising herself as a boy, she adopts a new identity as a traveling storyteller called Widsith (far traveler) and reinvents herself, drawing upon the books she has loved all her life. Soon she finds her fate inextricably tied with the dark-eyed King Wilfrid, who knows her only as Widsith, and wants her help in a plot against her own uncle.
Praise for ,I>The Edge on the Sword:

Customer Reviews:

Okay book, but could be better.......2007-01-10

This book was good, but started out pretty slow. I enjoyed the middle and end of the book much more than the beginning. I realize that the author was basing the book on historical accounts, but I frequently found myself confused and bored. The middle and end gets better, but I don't think that many people under the age of twelve would enjoy the book because of its difficulty level. Overall, it was interesting, but there could have been a little more romance between Wil and Aelfwyn. I also wondered why her cousin went from being her best friend, to hardly showing any kindness or interest in her at all. I give this book four stars, becuase all though it was well written, it was a little lacking in exitement

Not bad.......2005-04-19

This book was moderatley exciting and enjoyable. However, it could get quite boring at times. It's the story of a girl who disguised herself as a boy to escape an unwanted marriage. But, Elfwyn, this girl has no self confidence, no spunk and I found myself feeling bored as I followed the story of her half hearted attempts to escape and find herself. The climax of the book proves that she is yielding and supports the king who wanted her to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather. I was dissapointed by this book as a story, but I'm sure as another reviewer remarked that the historical information in this book was interesting even if I personally did not appreciate it.
I think I might be a little too old for this book as it is recommended for ages 9-12. Being 14 myself I was not so enteretained by it.

The Wait Is Over.......2005-03-19

This is Tingle's second book about 10th century England; I eagerly await a third. Once again, the central figure is a young girl making her way in a man's world -- in this case, Aelfwyn of Mercia, who disguises herself as a boy "scop" (wandering storyteller and singer) to escape the political control of her uncle, King Edward. The story is rich in details about medieval life (the sort that make me long for time-travel), and although it's hard to imagine a girl as bookish and sheltered as Aelfwyn being able so successfully to transform herself into a scop, the momentum of the story carried me forward and over my doubts. I think I fell in love with her accidental protector, Wil, before she did.

One tiny complaint: there's no reason for this book to be marketed to a teenage audience. Adults are sure to enjoy it as well. I certainly did.

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