Lost Worlds
From the world of Aratta and Mohenjo-Daro to Atlantis and Camelot, this visually stunning book is a window with a view that takes readers on an historical, archaeological, and mythological journey through lost worlds, those abandoned in time, buried and forgotten, and the ones that live in the imagination. Attempting to put the most plausible pieces of history together, John Howe, concept artist for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, begins the journey that will move readers to explore these...
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From the world of Aratta and Mohenjo-Daro to Atlantis and Camelot, this visually stunning book is a window with a view that takes readers on an historical, archaeological, and mythological journey through lost worlds, those abandoned in time, buried and forgotten, and the ones that live in the imagination. Attempting to put the most plausible pieces of history together, John Howe, concept artist for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, begins the journey that will move readers to explore these lost worlds even further.Publishers WeeklyComprehensive context complements effulgent illustrations in this survey of 24 legendary worlds. Some, like Thebes and Pompeii, existed, while others, such as Shambhala or Asgard, are speculative. Historical details (“In 539 B.C., the Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon”) and occasional photographs of ruins and ancient art objects help place the locales in history or in the imagination. Howe, who was a conceptual artist for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies, often strikes a pensive tone: “Atlantis is beyond our reach, beyond our most wishful thinking... under the restless waves of myth and legend.” Reflective readers and those with an interest in ancient civilizations will appreciate this exciting and carefully crafted book. Ages 9–12. (Nov.)
\ School Library JournalGr 4–7—Twenty-four "lost worlds," both legendary and real, are profiled in this dense, pretty book. "World" is interpreted broadly: the author includes civilizations like Atlantis and Babylon; cities such as Pompeii and Teotihuacan; mythical places like Asgard and Mount Olympus; and the island of Rapa Nui, which is not lost, though certainly diminished. Each chapter opens with an atmospheric, tantalizing description of the city or civilization and follows up with a wealth of detail. Howe presents documented fact, accepted theory, and traditional story, distinguishing among them. The text is supported by well-chosen photos of artifacts and reproductions of art, and of course, Howe's sumptuous, panoramic paintings. While this original art is wonderfully dramatic, it has a static, scenic quality that may appeal more to adult fantasy devotees than to children. More pronunciation help would be welcome, and there are no maps. Geographic representation is gratifyingly evenhanded—Mohenjo-Daro, Cahokia, and Uluru are given as much space as well-known sites like Camelot and Troy. Realistically, however, the type is small and the text somewhat dry—kids will enjoy leafing through for the pictures but may not sit down to read it.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD\ \ \ \ \ Publishers WeeklyComprehensive context complements effulgent illustrations in this survey of 24 legendary worlds. Some, like Thebes and Pompeii, existed, while others, such as Shambhala or Asgard, are speculative. Historical details (“In 539 B.C., the Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon”) and occasional photographs of ruins and ancient art objects help place the locales in history or in the imagination. Howe, who was a conceptual artist for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies, often strikes a pensive tone: “Atlantis is beyond our reach, beyond our most wishful thinking... under the restless waves of myth and legend.” Reflective readers and those with an interest in ancient civilizations will appreciate this exciting and carefully crafted book. Ages 9–12. (Nov.)\ \
