Overview

"Imagine a wall 30 feet high, a wall thousands of miles long, a wall that crossed deserts and climbed over impossibly jagged peaks, a wall that contained thousands of individual forts and towers, a wall that was guarded by over a million soldiers, a wall that took 200 years to build. Now imagine the enemy that this wall was built to defend against. The Mongols were nomadic warriors of legendary skill and savagery. Their empire encompassed most of the known world, from southern Asia to northern Europe, from the Middle East to the Sea of Japan. Now the fierce and unstoppable horsemen were bearing down on China. For the Chinese, there seemed only one solution: to turn their country into a vast fortress. The Great Wall chronicles a people's struggle for absolute security in a violent and dangerous world. It is a story of astonishing success and ultimate failure, of ingenuity, determination, the will to survive and, in the end, futility. Wonders of the World series The winner of numerous awards, this series is renowned for Elizabeth Mann's ability to convey adventure and excitement while revealing technical information in engaging and easily understood language. The illustrations are lavishly realistic and accurate in detail but do not ignore the human element. Outstanding in the genre, these books are sure to bring even the most indifferent young reader into the worlds of history, geography, and architecture. ""One of the ten best non-fiction series for young readers."" - Booklist"

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9780965049320

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Reviews

Part of the publisher's Wonders of the World series, this excellent book combines history and adventure in a winning package...Sure to be popular both as education and entertainment, this title is highly recommended for grades 4 to 6. Readers who loved Elizabeth Mann's The Brooklyn Bridge and The Great Pyramid, will be instant fans of The Great Wall.... Although it is a complicated story of politics and power, Mann tells it simply and skillfully...Brilliant illustrations by Alan Witschonke convey the enormity of the construction...a stunning visual history that will enrich any study of Chinese history and culture. Chinese history abounds with drama, intrigue, greatness and sadness. In this book all the elements on which the nation was founded are melded into a riveting account of how the Great Wall was built and its physical and mental impact on the Chinese people. The writing is infused with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. The book's value is bolstered by strong and splendid illustrations. The Great Wall is a great book. 2,000 years of Chinese history read like an adventure story. [Starred review: ] Beautiful and informative... Man makes thrilling the ironies of the Great Wall.

ÝStarred review: Beautiful and informative... Man makes thrilling the ironies of the Great Wall.

[Starred review: ] Beautiful and informative... Man makes thrilling the ironies of the Great Wall. �Starred review: � Beautiful and informative... Man makes thrilling the ironies of the Great Wall. Part of the publisher's Wonders of the World series, this excellent book combines history and adventure in a winning package...Sure to be popular both as education and entertainment, this title is highly recommended for grades 4 to 6. Readers who loved Elizabeth Mann's The Brooklyn Bridge and The Great Pyramid, will be instant fans of The Great Wall.... Although it is a complicated story of politics and power, Mann tells it simply and skillfully...Brilliant illustrations by Alan Witschonke convey the enormity of the construction...a stunning visual history that will enrich any study of Chinese history and culture. Chinese history abounds with drama, intrigue, greatness and sadness. In this book all the elements on which the nation was founded are melded into a riveting account of how the Great Wall was built and its physical and mental impact on the Chinese people. The writing is infused with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. The book's value is bolstered by strong and splendid illustrations. The Great Wall is a great book. 2,000 years of Chinese history read like an adventure story. [Starred review: ] Beautiful and informative... Man makes thrilling the ironies of the Great Wall.

Author Information

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. Alan Witschonke is the illustrator of four Wonders of the World books: The Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, The Great Wall and Hoover Dam.

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