Ages 8 to 14 years. This fascinating new book describes how Japan grew from rule by local chieftains to an emperor-led nation with many noble families competing for prominence. Beautiful spreads and full-colour photographs unveil Japan's rich history and the people who struggled to make it their own. Topics include: wet rice cultivation; trade with other cultures, their influence, and isolation in the 17th century; from early pit dwellings to the development of castle towns; nature worship, the rise of Shinto, and Buddhism and Confucianism; life as a samurai warrior; sword making and pottery; herbal medicine....

Ages 8 to 14 years. Known for their courage on the battlefield and as masters of the sea, the Vikings spread out from their native Scandinavia to Greenland, North Africa, parts of Central Asia, and even Canada. Despite the fact that their heyday was short-lived, the Vikings left behind fragments of a culture that still fascinate children and adults alike. This exciting new book shows children what Viking life was really like. Topics include: the raiding season: individual and community preparation, targets of raids; ship building, navigation, and life at sea daily life in the long house and the care of homesteads while the men were away; seasonal festivals and their feasts; rule by local chieftains; pagan myths and legends, such as the; Valkyries, and the arrival of Christianity....

Ages 8 to 14 years. From the first hunting and gathering societies to the great Nubian kingdoms of Kush, Africa has for centuries been the centre of great cultural activity across its mountains, deserts, and rainforests. Life in Ancient Africa portrays the major civilisations of the ancient African era using maps and beautiful full-colour photographs and illustrations. Topics include: Zimbabwe, Aksum, Meroe, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai; the rise of hundreds of regional dialects; pyramids, temples, royal tombs, and palaces; irrigation and other farming techniques; Trans-Sahara caravan routes and trade with the rest of the world; the discovery of mineral resources; an oral storytelling culture; music and dance....

Ages 8 to 14 years. Known for their courage on the battlefield and as masters of the sea, the Vikings spread out from their native Scandinavia to Greenland, North Africa, parts of Central Asia, and even Canada. Despite the fact that their heyday was short-lived, the Vikings left behind fragments of a culture that still fascinate children and adults alike. This exciting new book shows children what Viking life was really like. Topics include: the raiding season: individual and community preparation, targets of raids; ship building, navigation, and life at sea daily life in the long house and the care of homesteads while the men were away; seasonal festivals and their feasts; rule by local chieftains; pagan myths and legends, such as the; Valkyries, and the arrival of Christianity....

Ages 8 to 14 years. This fascinating new book describes how Japan grew from rule by local chieftains to an emperor-led nation with many noble families competing for prominence. Beautiful spreads and full-colour photographs unveil Japan's rich history and the people who struggled to make it their own. Topics include: wet rice cultivation; trade with other cultures, their influence, and isolation in the 17th century; from early pit dwellings to the development of castle towns; nature worship, the rise of Shinto, and Buddhism and Confucianism; life as a samurai warrior; sword making and pottery; herbal medicine....