Elizabeth Mann has written nine Wonders of the World books, an award-winning series. She is former teacher in New York, holds an M.S.E. and is cofounder of Mikaya Press. Yuan Lee holds both an MA in art history and an MFA in illustration. His paintings have appeared in books and magazines, and on UN stamps.

In this latest impressive entry in her Wonders of the World series, Elizabeth Mann uses one architectural feature, the Parthenon, as a focal point to lead readers on a guided tour of the rise of Athens and the world's first democracy. She begins with a short re-telling of the myth of the birth of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Then, she traces the rise of Athens and the Athenians' remarkable achievement in bringing about a democratic government at that time. How they thwarted the Persian Empire's wish to annex them, partly through winning the battles of Marathon and Salamis, each against overwhelming odds in favor of the Persians can still generate admiration in readers, especially given Mann's carefully chosen text coupled with Yuan Lee's dramatic illustration. Success against the Persians led to the renewal of the construction of the Parthenon. A two-page detailed foldout shows construction of the Parthenon followed by a full-page painting of the imposing statue of Athena clothed in gold at the height of Athens. There are some photos of existing relics, but illustrations are mostly richly colored, detailed scenes imagining Athens of the past that combine with Mann's flawless text to create a superb insight into ancient Athens. Includes end maps, timeline, Parthenon facts, glossary, bibliography, websites (only two). An excellent offering.

Elizabeth Mann has written nine Wonders of the World books, an award-winning series. She is former teacher in New York, holds an M.S.E. and is cofounder of Mikaya Press. Yuan Lee holds both an MA in art history and an MFA in illustration. His paintings have appeared in books and magazines, and on UN stamps.

In this latest impressive entry in her Wonders of the World series, Elizabeth Mann uses one architectural feature, the Parthenon, as a focal point to lead readers on a guided tour of the rise of Athens and the world's first democracy. She begins with a short re-telling of the myth of the birth of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Then, she traces the rise of Athens and the Athenians' remarkable achievement in bringing about a democratic government at that time. How they thwarted the Persian Empire's wish to annex them, partly through winning the battles of Marathon and Salamis, each against overwhelming odds in favor of the Persians can still generate admiration in readers, especially given Mann's carefully chosen text coupled with Yuan Lee's dramatic illustration. Success against the Persians led to the renewal of the construction of the Parthenon. A two-page detailed foldout shows construction of the Parthenon followed by a full-page painting of the imposing statue of Athena clothed in gold at the height of Athens. There are some photos of existing relics, but illustrations are mostly richly colored, detailed scenes imagining Athens of the past that combine with Mann's flawless text to create a superb insight into ancient Athens. Includes end maps, timeline, Parthenon facts, glossary, bibliography, websites (only two). An excellent offering.

Elizabeth Mann has written nine Wonders of the World books, an award-winning series. She is former teacher in New York, holds an M.S.E. and is cofounder of Mikaya Press. Yuan Lee holds both an MA in art history and an MFA in illustration. His paintings have appeared in books and magazines, and on UN stamps.

In this latest impressive entry in her Wonders of the World series, Elizabeth Mann uses one architectural feature, the Parthenon, as a focal point to lead readers on a guided tour of the rise of Athens and the world's first democracy. She begins with a short re-telling of the myth of the birth of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Then, she traces the rise of Athens and the Athenians' remarkable achievement in bringing about a democratic government at that time. How they thwarted the Persian Empire's wish to annex them, partly through winning the battles of Marathon and Salamis, each against overwhelming odds in favor of the Persians can still generate admiration in readers, especially given Mann's carefully chosen text coupled with Yuan Lee's dramatic illustration. Success against the Persians led to the renewal of the construction of the Parthenon. A two-page detailed foldout shows construction of the Parthenon followed by a full-page painting of the imposing statue of Athena clothed in gold at the height of Athens. There are some photos of existing relics, but illustrations are mostly richly colored, detailed scenes imagining Athens of the past that combine with Mann's flawless text to create a superb insight into ancient Athens. Includes end maps, timeline, Parthenon facts, glossary, bibliography, websites (only two). An excellent offering.