The Parthenon - (Wonders of the World Book) by Elizabeth Mann (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Parthenon is one of ancient Greece's outstanding achievements. This tells the story of the rise of Athens, culminating in the temple's building, and captures the human story, details of the construction and the values of Athens.

Book Synopsis

The story of an inspired building and an inspirational civilization.

The Parthenon is more than a magnificent building. Every marble statue, every graceful column, is an expression of a civilization whose three great values still speak to us today:

• Democracy. At a time of godlike rulers, ordinary citizens voted to build the Parthenon.
• Humanism. The Parthenon's art honored Athens' water carriers as well as its gods.
• Balance. The Parthenon's aesthetic brought lightness and grace to height and mass.

The Parthenon tells of the rise of Athens -- from the religion that nurtured it, through the wars that tested it, to the democracy that ennobled it -culminating in the construction of the great temple on the Acropolis. The book not only captures the human stories, but also vividly illustrates the technical details behind the construction, from quarrying of the marbles to carving of the exquisite frieze. To look at the Parthenon is to see Athens. To see Athens, is to see ourselves.

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

Review Quotes

[Mann] once again will leave readers buzzed about one of the great works of architecture, and more deeply aware of the ways in which it reflects its builders' beliefs and attitudes.-- "Kirkus" (10/15/2006 12:00:00 AM)

In this latest impressive entry in her Wonders of the World series, Elizabeth Mann uses one architectural feature, the Parthenon, as a focal point to lead readers on a guided tour of the rise of Athens and the world's first democracy. She begins with a short re-telling of the myth of the birth of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Then, she traces the rise of Athens and the Athenians' remarkable achievement in bringing about a democratic government at that time. How they thwarted the Persian Empire's wish to annex them, partly through winning the battles of Marathon and Salamis, each against overwhelming odds in favor of the Persians can still generate admiration in readers, especially given Mann's carefully chosen text coupled with Yuan Lee's dramatic illustration. Success against the Persians led to the renewal of the construction of the Parthenon. A two-page detailed foldout shows construction of the Parthenon followed by a full-page painting of the imposing statue of Athena clothed in gold at the height of Athens. There are some photos of existing relics, but illustrations are mostly richly colored, detailed scenes imagining Athens of the past that combine with Mann's flawless text to create a superb insight into ancient Athens. Includes end maps, timeline, Parthenon facts, glossary, bibliography, websites (only two). An excellent offering.--Mary Melaugh "Youth Services Book Review" (3/7/2007 12:00:00 AM)

Informative... The well-research and clearly written text discusses Athenian history and culture as well as the engineering techniques that made the building of the Parthenon possible, the artistic knowledge and sensibility that made the temple beautiful, and the human effort that made it an apt expression of the Greek's democracy as well as their religious beliefs... many clearly delineated, large-scale paintings depicting the scenes from the ancient Athens.--Carolyn Phelan "Booklist" (12/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

This visually appealing introduction to the Parthenon also explores the intriguing historical and societal factors that played key roles in its creation... provides readers with a strong feel for the golden age of Athens.--Steven Engelfried "School Library Journal" (3/1/2007 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

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.

Yuan Lee holds both an MA in art history and an MFA in illustration. His paintings have appeared in books and magazines, and on UN stamps.