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9780884487487

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Critique: A novel and effective way to for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in how civilizations were stimulated to evolve in response to traumatic, unexpected, and often horrific disasters, A History of Civilization in 50 Disasters is a compelling read that is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, content, organization, and presentation, A History of Civilization in 50 Disasters is very strongly recommended for both community and academic library World History reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists. Of immense interest to student and non-specialist general readers with an interest in history -- John Taylor - The Midwest Book Review When given the choice of which book to review, the title of this one stood out to me. I live in Oregon, and right now there is an increasing risk of earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis in the state. If it's going to happen I might as well know what to do. (I guess it also counts as studying world history.) The author did a fantastic job of compiling information and photographs to support the main event of each chapter. It was interesting that several of the events I had never even heard of. The book showed me that government tended to blame foreigners or minorities for the disasters, even when sometimes it was unknowingly of their own doing. Another thing that surprised me was that the disasters that took more lives were not volcanoes or earthquakes. More often than not, it was sickness, or an outbreak of a disease. (The Bubonic Plague, for example, killed about 1/3 of Europe's population.) When the volcanoes and earthquakes did happen, they usually gave weeks or even months of warning, and the most damage happened when people did not evacuate. (That's one piece of information I can use! When they tell me to evacuate, I will!) I really enjoyed this book and I hope other readers will, too. I would recommend it for ages 12 and up. It can also be used as a teaching resource in a classroom. -- Owen McCoy, 13, homeschooler - Skipping Stones Lest readers get preoccupied by body counts and deciding which disaster was the worst, the real lessons to be derived are discussed in a brief conclusion. What's most important is how people responded to the disasters: some people became heroes, some organized relief efforts, some looted, some blamed others, and some got to work trying to prevent future disasters. ... A fascinating volume especially suited for browsing. (glossary, sources and additional resources, endnotes, index) -- Kirkus

Lest readers get preoccupied by body counts and deciding which disaster was the worst, the real lessons to be derived are discussed in a brief conclusion. What's most important is how people responded to the disasters: some people became heroes, some organized relief efforts, some looted, some blamed others, and some got to work trying to prevent future disasters. ... A fascinating volume especially suited for browsing. (glossary, sources and additional resources, endnotes, index) Critique: A novel and effective way to for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in how civilizations were stimulated to evolve in response to traumatic, unexpected, and often horrific disasters, A History of Civilization in 50 Disasters is a compelling read that is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, content, organization, and presentation, A History of Civilization in 50 Disasters is very strongly recommended for both community and academic library World History reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists. Of immense interest to student and non-specialist general readers with an interest in history--John Taylor Written in a straightforward style accessible to most students, this readable book provides solid, step-by-step advice on how to read some of the world's great books with discipline and comprehension.--Owen McCoy, 13, homeschooler

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Gale Eaton has spent a lifetime with books for children and young adults, first as a children’s librarian at the Boston Public Library and the Berkshire Athenaeum, and later as a professor of children’s literature at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. She is the author of four other books. Phillip Hoose is the widely acclaimed author of books, essays, stories, songs, and articles including the National Book Award - and Newbery Honor - winning book Claudette Colvin: Twice toward Justice and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor winner The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club. A graduate of Indiana University and the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Hoose was for 37 years a staff member of The Nature Conservancy, dedicated to preserving the plants, animals, and natural communities of the Earth.

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