These books depict the weaponry and defenses employed during two of America's earliest wars. The scant texts lack historical context, but military buffs may appreciate the archival war images, close-ups of weapons, and photographs of sites from each war. Fact inserts provide additional information; significant words are highlighted and defined. Reading list. Glos., ind.

DOEDEN, Matt Weapons of the Civil War ISBN 978-1-4296-1968-4 LC 2008000526. DOEDEN, Matt Weapons of the Middle Ages ISBN 978-1-4296-1969-1 LC 2007050935. ea vol: 32p. (Weapons of War Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone/Blazers 2008. PLB $22.60. Gr 1-3 Large type, short sentences, and glossaries make these texts accessible. Brief paragraphs provide descriptions of the use of the weapons, and notes dispersed throughout impart extra facts such as the range of a rifle. The texts are packed with clearly labeled color photos. Civil War is the most successful since it covers a relatively short period. Ancient Times , however, tries to cover the period from prehistory to ancient Romefar too much time. In the same way, the information in Middle Ages becomes unfocused because there is no one event or period being discussed. Overall, the books are simplistic and will only warrant purchase for their photographs. Michele Byam's Arms and Armor (2004) or Richard Holmes's Battle (2000, both DK) are better bets. Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA