Ancient Roman Art (Art in History/2nd Edition)

Gr 4-8--These books cover a lot more material than one would expect to find in 32 pages. Painting, mosaic, pottery, architecture, and sculpture are all introduced, with some of the most prominent examples chosen to illustrate and expand upon the narrative. Lengthy captions for the photographs and illustrations provide additional information. Fact boxes are interspersed to clarify points of history and/or art. Words in bold face are defined in a brief glossary; illustrations are included in the index. There are some inconsistencies; e.g., the word "encaustic" is defined in the texts rather than in the glossaries, and a few dates in the narratives that don't appear in the concluding time lines. In Roman Art, a tool called a "groma" is referred to and yet there is no picture or description of one. Both titles show a "color palette," but don't include all of the colors that are used in the works of art shown. Despite these minor faults, the books contain a great deal of excellent information, are well organized and easy to read, and would be solid purchases for introducing the art of these two ancient cultures.

Marilyn Fairbanks, East Junior High School, Brockton, MA

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