Thrust into leadership in an age of war and spiritual discord, Alfred struggles to steer his kingdom through chaos. Will his vision for a unified, educated England come to fruition?'In the Days of Alfred the Great' transports readers to the 9th century, a pivotal period in English history marked by the reign of King Alfred. Known for his wisdom, courage, and dedication to learning, Alfred's rule was a beacon of enlightenment during the Dark Ages. This engaging narrative not only chronicles the life and achievements of the great king but also paints a vivid picture of daily life, warfare, and culture of the time. Readers will be immersed in the battles against Viking invaders, the establishment of schools, and the creation of laws that shaped the nation. The book's rich historical detail and compelling storytelling make it a fascinating read for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in exploring the legacy of one of England's most revered monarchs. Read more

Oliver's well-researched biography of Mansa Musa reads like an exotic tale of gold, glory, and adventure. During his long reign as Mali's emperor, Mansa Musa led his empire into its Golden Age; presided over a spectacular, 60,000 person, 9,000 mile pilgrimage; founded a university in Timbuktu; and helped revolutionize architecture across the Sudan. Oliver does not allow Musa's story to get bogged down in detail by seamlessly weaving a lot of history into his narrative and by supplying curious readers with an extensive Glossary.Many of the African ancestors of today's African-Americans came from West Africa. From 700 -- 1600 A. D., one after the other, three great, black, commercial empires dominated West Africa. They were powerful, prosperous, complex, stable -- and large. At its height, the Empire of Mali was the size of all of Western Europe.Well-crafted and fast paced, Oliver's book is enhanced by a liberal sprinkling of enjoyable drawings, clear and helpful maps, and interesting photos. Not only are Mansa Musa's triumphs and dilemmas clearly portrayed, but so are the lives of the people of medieval Mali. Read more

Accused of being a demon by those who could not tolerate her independence, Eleanor of Aquitaine made her mark as one of the most dynamic and extraordinary figures of the Middle Ages. Born in 1122, Eleanor refused to be confined by the traditional gender roles of her time. She became well educated, gaining political and governing know-how from her father, William X, duke of Aquitaine, and armed herself with the skills necessary to become an influential queen-first of France, and later, England. With an impact that reached beyond politics, Eleanor shaped the future of the arts and humanities. And in a time when women were viewed as inferior to men, the virtues of chivalry and courtly love were born. Once described by a contemporary as "a woman beyond compare," Eleanor of Aquitaine is a figure who will remain controversial, powerful, and enchanting in the twenty-first century. Read more

The Book of Enoch has had a lasting impact on various religious and mystical movements. It is referenced in the New Testament (Jude 1:14-15), and its ideas have influenced early Christian thought. Additionally, it has played a significant role in the development of certain branches of Jewish mysticism, such as Kabbalah. Some early Christian sects and Gnostic groups held the book in high regard. Read more

Eleanor of Acquitaine has been waiting in Heaven for a long time to be reunited with her second husband, Henry II of England. Finally, the day has come when Henry will be judged for admission--and while Eleanor waits, three people close to her during various times of her life join her, helping to distract her and providing a rich portrait of a remarkable woman in history. Read more

Ferocious raids, heroic battles, larger-than-life leaders, and courageous explorers that changed the course of human history.From battle-ax-wielding tribes plundering the greatest cities of Europe to powerful kings and queens ruling their dominions with iron fists, the Vikings were some of the most feared and fearless figures in European history. Find the bravest heroes, the most menacing villains, and unbelievably awesome facts and myths inside this action-packed overview that will amaze kids with tales of a people so incredible...it's hard to believe they were real. History buff and popular blogger Ben Thompson's lively storytelling style brings the Vikings back to life in this second book in the exhilarating Guts & Glory series! Read more

Explore captivating myths of the Norse Gods and heroes The stories from Norse mythology linger in our culture today. Four days of our week are named after members of the Norse pantheon (Tyr, Woden [Odin], Thor, and Frigg). Wagner’s Ring Cycle has kept one version of one of the great Norse stories alive in the minds of music lovers. Fans of modern fantasy will find many echoes of the Norse tales as well. Something in these old and puzzling stories still has the power to move and unsettle us and to inspire new acts of creation. This audiobook will give you a brief introduction to some of the best-known myths found in the primary sources. This audiobook includes a glossary of names in case you need help keeping track of a rather large cast of characters. Enjoy your explorations! Within this audiobook, you'll find the following Norse myths and topics covered: The creation of the worldsThe building of AsgardWhy Odin has one eye and Tyr has one handThe mead of poetryLoki the thiefLove and troubleThor the brideThor’s adventures in UtgardOdin the host and Odin the guestAndvari’s curseRegin and SigurdSigurd and the dragonThe marriage of SigurdBrynhild’s betrayalThe death of SigurdThe passing of BalderRagnarökGrace Note: The story of Rolf KrakeGet the audiobook now and learn more about Norse mythology!PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Read more

The Book of Enoch has had a lasting impact on various religious and mystical movements. It is referenced in the New Testament (Jude 1:14-15), and its ideas have influenced early Christian thought. Additionally, it has played a significant role in the development of certain branches of Jewish mysticism, such as Kabbalah. Some early Christian sects and Gnostic groups held the book in high regard. Read more

Bring history to life for students in grades 5 and up using Medieval Times! This 96-page book features reading selections and assessments that utilize a variety of questioning strategies, such as matching, true or false, critical thinking, and constructed response. Hands-on activities, research opportunities, and mapping exercises engage students in learning about medieval times. For struggling readers, the book includes a downloadable version of the reading selections at a fourth- to fifth-grade reading level. This book aligns with state, national, and Canadian provincial standards. Read more

"Lots of information, spiced with bits of legend and story, makes this a wonderful book!"—Chicago Sunday Tribune"A welcome addition to any library."—BooklistA celebration of all things chivalrous, this fascinating book features page after page of colorful pictures of heroic knights, fair maidens, and deadly weapons. It recounts captivating tales of life as it really was a thousand years ago, among the crusaders who followed Richard the Lionheart to the Holy Lands, as well as the much-loved legends of Camelot and King Arthur's Round Table.Author and artist Jack Coggins wrote and illustrated several books on subjects ranging from space travel to underwater exploration. His expertise in arms and armor is reflected in the authenticity of these illustrations of medieval weapons. Coggins also provides an informed and lively perspective on the training, duties, and benefits of knighthood. Read more

"The Crusades consisted of a succession of military conflicts fought between European Christians and various Muslim groups for control of the so-called Holy Land (now Israel) and surrounding regions. The initial crusading expedition began in 1096 and subsequent ones carried on at intervals for several centuries. Modern historians generally agree that the first five Crusades were the most crucial. After that, considerable scholarly disagreement exists over how many such expeditions should be properly labeled crusades and even over their exact dates."--Provided by publisher. Read more

In The Middle Ages, Dorothy Mills lets medieval chroniclers tell their own tales; poets and troubadours, minstrels and wandering scholars sing their own songs; and serfs describe their hard lot. She combines interesting source material with a scholarly interpretation of important events and of those features that characterized all countries during the Middle Ages: the Church; monks and friars and pilgrims; feudalism and chivalry; the manors and towns; Crusades; students wandering in search of learning; science and magic; poetry and drama; arts and crafts. Dorothy Mills had an uncanny and unique ability to write history that is interesting and at the same time based on sound scholarship. Her direct, engaging approach is valued increasingly by the many parents in our day who are looking for reliable materials for homeschooling or home study, as well as by many private school educators. Angelico Press has undertaken to reprint the highly-prized six volumes of her historical works as part of its effort to offer texts ideally suited to the needs of a new generation of teachers and students. In a world where the quality of education has so deteriorated, may the reissue of this wonderful historical series shine as a beacon to a new generation of young (and not so young) scholars! Read more

Three manuscripts in one book: African History for Kids: A Captivating Guide to the History of AfricaAncient Africa for Kids: A Captivating Guide to Ancient African Civilizations, Empires, and HistoryMedieval Africa for Kids: A Captivating Guide to Mansa Musa, the Mali Empire, and other African Civilizations of the Middle AgesIn the first part, you will travel through the vast continent of Africa. Journey back to ancient times, and discover one of the earliest and most famous civilizations, ancient Egypt. We will then travel through the Middle Ages, discovering some of the largest empires in Africa to ever exist. Discover how Africa has shaped the world as we know it and how the transatlantic slave trade led to the largest, long-distance, forced migration of people in history.In the first part of this book, you will learn about: Ancient Egypt's incredible inventions, pharaohs, and architecture.The Egyptians weren't the only African nation to build pyramids. Find out what other African civilizations built more pyramids in one town than there were in the whole of Egypt!The introduction of Christianity and Islam and how they impacted tribal religions.How a huge monument was dismantled and taken to Rome for seventy years before being returned to its original site.Things are looking up! What the future holds for Africa.Ancient Africa had powerful armies that fought with each other and with civilizations that weren't even from Africa. They were also rich in things like gold, ivory, and salt, and the ancient Africans knew how to build a healthy trade network that could even cross the vast Sahara Desert. Their civilizations were wealthy and filled with beautiful art, some of which we can still see today.In the second part of this book, you will discover: Where is the Land of the Bow?Why did the Egyptians make mummies?How many war elephants did Hannibal have?What civilization conquered Egypt?What is the legend of King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, and their son?Where exactly was ancient Ghana?For years, many scholars have ignored medieval Africa. There aren't many written documents from the African kingdoms, so historians rely on outside sources and archeology. Many people don't realize Africa was brimming with innovation during this time or that it was connected to the outside world. Although historians don't know everything about this period of African history, medieval Africa has not been lost to time. We still have so much to learn about this era and how it changed the world.In the third part of this book, you will discover: Was Mansa Musa I really the wealthiest person in world history?Why wasn't the Ghana Empire close to modern Ghana?How did Islam come to Africa?Are any of the medieval empires still here today?How did the African kingdoms react to the slave trade?Who was the most famous African leader during the Middle Ages?And much, much more! Read more

First appeared in the 1130s and originally composed in Latin as "Historia regum Britanniae", "The History of the Kings of Britain" by Geoffrey of Monmouth claims to be a history of Britain’s kings from the island’s founding by Trojan descendent Brutus in 1200 BCE, to the Britons’ abandonment of the island in the seventh century CE."The History of the Kings of Britain" was immediately popular, inspiring retellings and adaptations by writers and artists through the centuries. Because its historical merit is almost non-existent, it has been called an epic in prose and treated as a literary text whose primary purpose is patriotic. It is credited with introducing the figure of Merlin and elevating King Arthur to mythic status. Read more

Enter the dynastic power struggle between the York and Lancaster families, which gave rise to one of English history’s most epic periods of civil war.This colouring book covers a collection of the most prominent antagonists, including entitled kings, scheming queens, and devious dukes of the 15th century. The book starts with Henry V and ends with uniting the York and Lancastrian houses through the marriage of Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York. Each colouring page has an informative description of how the character portrayed contributed to the Wars of the Roses. Read more

Some were feisty and fiery. Others were cool and dangerous. All were incredibly courageous. Outrageous Women of The Middle Ages took on the challenge of their world--and didn't worry about ruffling a few feathers. Among the outrageous women you'll meet are: * Eleanor of Aquitaine--queen of France and later England, she led a group of women on the Second Crusade and created her own financial system * Lady Murasaki Shikibu--besides being a wife and mother, she learned the "forbidden" language of Chinese and wrote the world's first novel * Aud the Deep-Minded--a Viking wise woman and explorer who led her clan, grandchildren and all, on a risky voyage from Scotland to Iceland * Hildegarde of Bingen--the German nun who, late in life, became a composer, a botanist, and founded convents * Damia al-Kahina--a nomadic freedom fighter, skilled at peacemaking and war, who kept her North African homeland free Read more

Explore the history of the Medieval world through thirteen true, unsolved mysteries.The Middle Ages conjure images of kings and queens, knights and castles, but they were also full of mysteries that remain unsolved today. In these thirteen stories told by historian and author E.B. Wheeler, you'll journey back to Medieval times. Uncover the secrets of the real King Arthur. Search for the Asian warlord who conquered much of the Medieval world and then vanished with a great treasure. Hunt for clues about lost cities in Africa and the Americas. Along the way, you'll meet samurai, Vikings, and even a pair of green children.Flesch-Kincaid grade level of 8, great for ages 11-14, middle school world history students, or anyone who loves Medieval history or unsolved mysteries. Read more

Stunningly illustrated by P.J. Lynch, Patrick Dillon’s accessible narrative brings the dramatic history of a nation to life.The history of Britain is a thrilling story of kings and queens, battles and truces, discoveries and inventions, expansion and diplomacy. From William the Conqueror’s arrival in 1066 to the end of the twentieth century, The Story of Britain celebrates the rich diversity of a people and culture, as well as the events, good and bad, that have shaped Britain — and the world — over the past thousand years. Royals, commoners, warriors, and scientists have all had parts to play, and each of their stories is told here in lively, lucid language appropriate for a young audience. Timelines summarize each era in a quick-view format between each section, while bite-size chapters and full-color plates make this history easy to pick up and hard to put down. Read more