Exploration by Sea (The Silk and Spice Routes) - Hardcover

Reid, Struan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 002775801X ISBN 13: 9780027758016

Publisher: New Discovery, 1994

Synopsis

Discusses the opening of trade routes between Europe and Asia and explores the impact of the spice trade carried on over these routes

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 6-9-These three titles, copublished by UNESCO, look at aspects of the thousands of miles of land and sea trade routes that formed a vital East/West connection from as early as the first century B.C. Cultures centers on the intangible commodities merchants encountered and carried: knowledge, philosophies, languages, and skills. Exploration focuses on the 9,000 miles of the Spice Routes through the Asian continent and back to Europe. In brief chapters, the author considers various epochs in the history of spice trade, ending with a brief overview of the routes today. Inventions looks at science and technologies that developed in the East and spread thousands of miles to the West. Given that the topics are chock-full of adventure and excitement, it is unfortunate that these volumes fail to live up to their potential. Anecdotes are sparse; the tale of monsters and one-legged "umbrella-foots" in "Travelers' Tales" (Cultures) is a rare exception. Full-color photographs and reproductions do little to amplify the writing; the explanation of scales and balances (in Trade) remains murky without a clear illustration. The detailed time line and glossary are helpful but the lack of a bibliography is bothersome. While some readers may find these books useful for reports, most will find the presentation dry.
Anita Palladino, Finkelstein Memorial Library, Spring Valley, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Gr. 5-9. From the Silk and Spice Routes series, this volume traces the sea travels of explorers and traders between Asia and Europe. Each two-page section introduces a new topic, accompanied by photographs of harbors and landmarks, reproductions of paintings and engravings, and maps, all in full-color. Topics include the Romans' search for spices, the establishment of Portuguese, Dutch, and English trade empires, the spice trade today, and the spices themselves. See the Series Roundup in this issue for two other books in the series: Culture and Civilizations and Inventions and Trade. Recommended as supplemental materials to support school units. Carolyn Phelan

About this edition

• Publisher: New Discovery
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 002775801X
• ISBN 13: 9780027758016
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 45