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The Century for Young People

Book Summary

Reviewed by Tanya Smith

This is history through the eyes of ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times. Premier journalist Peter Jennings has woven together top-notch reporting and compelling first-hand accounts to form an incomparable world history. A profusion of photographs helps bring to life the events that shaped this century. A must-read for both serious and casual history students.

Is It Any Good?

4

This treasure trove of information is distinguished by its blend of first-hand accounts and objective reporting. It is an excellent, high-quality reference book that offers a lot to look at and pays excellent attention to detail. Room should be made for this book in the student's home library.

While the text from its predecessor, The Century, has been adapted here for young people, the writing style has not. The prose is direct and intelligent; it's easy to imagine coauthor Peter Jennings reciting these passages on the nightly news. Younger readers accustomed to bold, clipped phrasing may at first find it hard to grab onto the elegantly formed phrases. Still, small touches throughout the book will make the people and subjects come alive for young readers, such as a list of tabloid nicknames for Babe Ruth and unvarnished quotes such as this gem from Charles Lindbergh on his fame: "I was so filled up with this hero guff I was ready to shout murder."

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