World History

The Monuments Men

Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History
Book Cover
Author(s): 
Robert M. Edsel
Number of pages: 
468 pages
Copyright: 
2009
Subject(s): 
Art Appreciation
World History
Setting: 
World War II - the War
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Resource Type: 
Book(s)
Review: 
"The Monuments Men" is an engaging and little known story about servicemen who specialized in trying to preserve the art and culture of Europe during World War II. Not only were they involved in trying to get the Allies to do as little damage as possible in fighting the war, but it became almost another front of the war with Hitler, who not only stole and hoarded unbelievable quantities of art (in order to create his own "Fuhrermuseum"), but also gave orders to destroy these hoards of art as the Allies made headway into Germany. It's a fascinating story to begin with. The author skillfully weaves together a number of particularly interesting (and informative) stories by focusing in particular on two very great works of art that were particularly coveted by Hitler - Michelangelo's "Bruges Madonna" and the "Ghent Altarpiece" by Jan Van Eyck. When the author started piecing together stories for this book, he had so much material that he ended up writing a separate book just for the stories about the Monuments Men that took place in Italy. The second volume, entitled "Saving Italy", was published in 2013. Our family has also seen the movie and very much enjoyed it. It is rated PG-13 for some strong language and is quite simplified in comparison with the book (which is not a bad thing with a book that contains many, many threads of stories), but also has a number of breathtakingly beautiful and profound aspects to it.
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
2-8-2014, updated 9-16-2016

The Old World and America

Book cover: 'The Old World and America'
Author(s): 
Most Rev. Philip J. Furlong
Number of pages: 
394 pages
Copyright: 
1937
ISBN / ID: 
9780895552020
Publisher: 
TAN Books
Binding: 
Paperback
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
World History
Grade / Age level: 
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Grades 6-8
Resource Type: 
Text
Review: 

The Old World and America is a superb history book that is decidedly homeschool-friendly! The book begins briefly with a mention of Genesis, which is unusual in a history text. It is a thorough guide to the history of the world, from the time of primitive man to the mid-1500's. The approach is decidedly Catholic, and reference to Catholic saints are scattered throughout.

We are presently in the early chapters of this text, but the flavour of the book is apparent. Each chapter is amply illustrated with photos, diagrams, and maps (all black and white). Following each chapter is a series of tests, which include oral questions, written questions, discussion questions, word list, questions to make you think, and questions that test your character. What more could a homeschool mother ask for?

The book is reasonably priced. With older children, some supplementary material may be needed to cover various topics in more detail. It is my opinion that this is a wonderful book, and would be an asset to any history program. It would be suitable for a variety of ages (presently, I am using it for Grades 4 to 8).

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
K.M.
First reviewed: 
1998-99

Founders of Freedom

Book cover: Founders of Freedom
Author(s): 
Sr. M. Benedict Joseph, SNJM
Number of pages: 
296 pages
Copyright: 
1954
ISBN / ID: 
9780911845532
Publisher: 
Neumann Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
World History
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Text
Review: 

This first volume in the Catholic American history program, Land of Our Lady, is intended for the fourth grade. It overviews history from Creation to just before Columbus' voyage in 1492. The focus is mostly on Western History – Europe and the Middle East – but Ancient China is also touched upon. Emphasis is placed on the origins of democracy and people in history who were instrumental in its development in various forms (as a preparation for the study of American History – this year's text develops the "background"). The text is very Catholic with a great deal of attention given to Saints who had a role in history and the Catholic Church's influence on civilization. Also included between each Unit are a Marian hymn (with a black and white illustration of Our Lady) and the history of the hymn. While some more controversial issues such as the Inquisition aren't covered (which is reasonable for a 4th grade text), I was happy to see the author point out some of the good and bad of events such as the Crusades. This balanced presentation of history is more helpful for students who have to prepare themselves to defend their Faith in the future.

The text is readable and interesting (although do keep in mind that I LOVE history), but still rather textbookish. Because it is an overview, many topics are covered rather briefly and the "stories" of history aren't present. There are a rather large quantity of written problems, activities and other reviews designed to reinforce the ideas in the text. I would be inclined to only use some of the written problems and instead supplement with some "living books" (stories from History), such as those listed on our Timeline of Good History Reading.

Quibble:

I did notice a few small errors (as is common in textbooks).

First, the term Oro et Laboro which means literally means "I pray and I work", is interpreted as "To work is to pray" which I think is not only a mistranslation, but a misunderstanding of the rule of St. Benedict.

Second, on page 205, a photo of Neuschwanstein Castle (from Germany),which was built in the 1800s, is labeled "a medieval castle". (No, I'm not an expert on castles – our family put together a 1000piece puzzle of this castle last year!).

Some brief references to the Latin Mass (as a universal institution) and Communism are slightly outdated. Overall, I thought it to be quite a good text and I'm looking forward to reading the next volume.

Additional notes: 

This book was donated for review by Neumann Press

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
3-2-2000

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