THE KINGFISHER ENCYCLOPEDIA

"The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia" is a highly-regarded reference book designed to provide a comprehensive overview of world history. It is especially suitable for children aged 8-12, though it can be beneficial for older students as well. The encyclopedia is arranged chronologically, with each two-page spread focusing on a different historical period or event, starting from pre-history and continuing to modern times. The book includes over 2,000 full-color illustrations and photographs, enhancing its visual appeal and making it easier for young readers to engage with the material. Timelines at the top of each page help to contextualize historical events, and the inclusion of biographies and key features on art, architecture, and technology adds depth to the content. While coverage is necessarily selective and sometimes cursory, it offers a well-rounded introduction to a wide range of topics. This encyclopedia has been praised for its multicultural approach, covering civilizations from Asia, Africa, the early Americas, and more, providing a more global perspective than many traditional textbooks. It is structured into ten sections, each concluding with a summary of developments in the arts, architecture, and science and technology of the era.