Big History

April 1, 2017
Gr 6 Up-Tackling everything from the big bang to current efforts toward a sustainable future, this is a physically large volume with a sweeping scope. With minimal text and 300 pages of infographics, this is an amuse-bouche of history: just a bite of information that whets the appetite but does not satisfy. Created in consultation with directors and educational leaders at the Big History Institute at Macquarie University in Sydney, this title takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach to history through brief, pithy entries on a wide range of connected subjects. The layout is very similar to the entries in DK's -Eyewitness- books. The work is divided into eight -thresholds- that cover astronomy; the formation of planets and solar systems; the emergence of life and humans, civilization, and industrialization. Also included are a series of time lines. This is a great introductory text on life, the universe, and everything. Unfortunately, unlike an encyclopedia, this selection will not lead readers to other sources that will give them a deeper appreciation of the subjects covered. VERDICT Though this isn't ideal for report writers, it's an engaging offering for browsers looking for a visually engaging overview of history.-Susanne Caro, University of Montana Library, Missoula

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