Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Geo Librarian.

My selection is "Barbarians!" written by Steven Kroll and illustrated by Robert Byrd.

Kroll begins his book with a pair of questions -- "Are you rude, crude and uncivilized?  Could you be -- a barbarian?"  He offers both the history of the word and an up-close look at four groups commonly referred to as barbarians: the Goths, the Huns, the Vikings, and the Mongols.  He acknowledges their war-like tendencies, but goes on to describe their history, culture, and beliefs.  Each chapter is enriched by sidebars offering facts on various topics.  Best of all, Kroll provides readers with a clear understanding of the ways in which these barbarians changed and enhanced their world through their many encounters with the civilizations of the time and left behind a legacy that has continued to the present day. 

Byrd's richly colored illustrations are intricate in their detail and powerfully depict the life of these barbarian societies from the battle-field through day-to-day life.  Maps, timelines and a bibliography complete the book.