Steele, Philip

Each chapter leads the reader to the brink of an historic scientific discovery, then presents a series of alternatives from which the reader must decide what happened next.

Traces the history of civilization in Asia and the Far East, focusing on the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Ancient India, the Chinese Empire, and Ancient Japan.

Photographs and text explain what life was like in ancient China, providing information about the history, religion, society, homes, family life, farming, food, trade, inventions, and other aspects of the country, and including fact boxes and a pictorial time line.

Discusses different types of geological activity, including tsunamis, earthquakes, glaciers, geysers, and volcanoes.

Answers questions about people, places, and things including, "Where do elephants glow in the dark?" and "Where does chocolate grow on trees?".

Questions and answers about castles, knights, and the times of long ago.

Questions and answers introduce the clothing, food, government, religion, and other aspects of daily life in ancient Egypt.

Text and illustrations provide information about the burial practices of the ancient Egyptians, discusses why and how mummies are made, and shows how scientists are able to use mummies to learn about the Egyptian culture.

Presents maps and facts about the world's countries, regions, and continents, and the people who live in them.