Considered the innovator of "horizontal history," Genevieve Foster became frustrated when her two school-aged children complained about the boring presentation of history in their school texts. This frustration led to Foster's first book, George Washington's World (1941). In her unique approach, Foster weaves a story of the world around her central character; rather than focusing exclusively on geo-political events, as most textbooks do; she includes stories of scientific discovery and invention, music, literature, art, and religion. She has a keen intuition for stories that will especially delight and amuse her youthful audience. In Augustus Caesar's World, Foster traces the seven major civilizations Rome, Greece, Israel, Egypt, China, India, and Persia from 4500 B.C. to the time of Augustus Caesar in 44 B.C. and culminating in 14 A.D. Within this timeframe readers will learn not only the stories of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Marc Antony, but also the historian Livy and how Virgil came to write the Aeneid. Foster will then take her readers all over the world to learn what was happening at this same time in China, Persia, India and so on. Foster's detailed pen and ink drawings are fresh and appealing, and her illustrated timelines give a clear sense of chronology, enriching the engaging text. An all-time customer favorite!
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Great Narrative!:
This book is well-written and very interesting. My son consistently asks me to keep reading to him, even when we've run out of time. I find myself wanting to read ahead just so I can learn what happens. This is a terrific addition to a homeschool unit on Ancient Rome! I highly recommend it!
Very readable histroy for everyone!:
I really enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, the engaging style that invites the reader into the world of Octavian and many of his contemporaries such as Herod the Great, Tiberius, Cleopatra, Cicero, Livey, and many others. You come away from this book feeling as though you experienced something of the past. It is though you were there and lived through it yourself. Second, this book is a history of religions in that it focuses on the world religions of the first century all over the world. You... more info
Wonderful:
One of the best all-ages history books. :) Gorgeous illustrations, useful family trees, all told in a friendly and familiar style; not dry and academic at all.
Highly recommended!:
I cannot say enough good things about this book! I just finished reading it before using it for homeschooling, and am amazed at how much I learned! If only they used history books like this in when I was in school, I may have had an interest in history. The books covers from Octavian at age 18 (when his uncle Julius Caesar is killed), through his death. The beauty of this books is that it covers world events during the time period as well as daily life in Ancient Rome. It's wonderfully well rounded and... more info
