Lebanon (ENCHANTMENT OF THE WORLD SECOND SERIES)

Grade 5-9-- A detailed look at Lebanon, reaching back into ancient history and continuing up through the recent civil unrest. There's not much enchantment here; there is much violence and greed for power and land. The book's format is attractive with abundant full-color photographs and reproductions; however, its heavy emphasis on past rulers, empires, and invasions will be interesting only to students who love history or to those who already have a strong background in the Middle East. It is not an introduction to the country. Foster briefly describes the various religious groups without going into their customs and social life, while the photos depicting the groups lack balance. The geography and climate are well presented. There are many photographs; some taken before the civil war that began in 1975 are juxtaposed with contemporary pictures to show the devastation that has occurred. Information is current through early 1992. An up-to-date, supplementary title. --Nancy E. Zuwiyya, Binghamton High School, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.