Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent Hb

This book is geared toward a middle school audience but I would recommend it to adults as well. It's not too watered down or overly complicated. The author makes an effort to include all aspects of ancient life in Mesopotamia. The selections of photos and maps are excellent. Also it starts at the very beginning of known human habitation in the area. I also liked it that Biblical history is mentioned as many of the Biblical stories take place in larger area surrounding Mesopotamia, referred to as The Fertile Crescent. This book mentions extra-Biblical corroborating evidence, of the miracles and The Flood, particularly in relation to the Gilgamesh Epic. I was particularly impressed by the mention of a priestess and scribe, named Enheduanna, who lived about 4,500 years ago. Before Abraham came on the scene people of The Fertile Crescent mostly worshipped goddesses, like Innana. I would like to have read a bit more about the status of women in ancient Mesopotamia. I have just a few complaints about this book: The author explains but does not make it absolutely crystal clear that Mesopotamia was a place, not a nation or particular ethnic group. I could see how this might cause confusion for those unfamiliar with the concept. After all, a lot of people don't understand that AIDS and HIV are not exactly the same thing. It was never explained the why the author chose to go with "Nebuchadrezzar" instead of "Nebuchadnezzer." I vaguely remember reading in some other source an explanation for the different spellings, but don't remember it. It would have been helpful if the author had explained it. Also I read recently that scholars have declared "Hammurapi" to be the new correct spelling of "Hammurabi." In spite of mentioning Biblical historical connections to the area what is glaringly absent is any mention of Abraham, the patriarch of three major world religions! Abraham was from the ancient city of Ur and traveled extensively in The Fertile Crescent. That's a pretty big detail to leave out. Also left out is any mention of the Biblical Esther in the chapter on the rise of Persian power. The author does mention that it was Cyrus who allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. According to Biblical legend Cyrus is said to be a descendant of Esther and I just think that's an important detail to have left out. It's also not mentioned that the Jews returned to Jerusalem to build the Second Temple. With all the news stories about fighting over Jerusalem, particularly the Temple Mount, that might be a helpful detail for people to know. I still highly recommend this book as a primer. I would also recommend Innana: From the Myths of Ancient Sumer by Kim Echlin.

Our Lower School curriculum includes the study of Ancient Civilizations. This is the first book I've seen in ten years which is well written and attractive. The text is factual and current, with outstanding picture choices. The format is appealing, with important areas receiving extra attention in color coded boxes called "A Closer Look." The information is written on a level which elementary age children will understand, yet it will still hold the interest of older students. As a teacher, I love the back of the book, which includes a timeline and suggestions for further reading. I am hoping to add this book to our curriculum.