VOYA

The series features Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, The Early Middle Ages, The Late Middle Ages, The Holocaust, and The Decade of the 2000s. These titles may serve as a supplement to middle and early high school history textbooks. Each title is organized into five chapters including a discussion of the circumstances and events leading up to the era and commentary on the legacy of the time period. A time line, list of important people, and an exploration of defining characteristics are also featured. The Early Middle Ages offers an overview of Western European history from 285 AD and the split of the Roman Empire through the rule of Charlemagne to 1096 AD and the first Christian crusade. Topics covered include the rise of feudalism and the power of the Christian Church. The Islamic Empire is casually mentioned while the civilizations of Asia are completely ignored. The Decade of the 2000s highlights global terrorism, natural disasters, and the changing media landscape as key features of the early 21st century. Technological innovation and popular culture—including iPods, social networking, and the Harry Potter phenomenon—are given as much consideration as economic recession, war in Afghanistan and Iraq, and American politics. The gay rights movement is mentioned but immigration issues are not.