Gr 5-8-Each title explains the social conditions that led to the rise of these fighters and describes the types of people who joined their ranks. Chapters detail the weapons, armor, and fighting techniques used by each group. The books conclude with a description of the social changes that led to a decline in the need for these warriors, but also show how their legends have lived on in film and literature. Lists for further reading include age-appropriate books, articles, and Web sites. In spite of their similar format, the titles cover elements unique to each group: Gladiators portrays the drama of events in the Roman amphitheaters; Knights explains the concept of chivalry; and Samurai describes the gruesome act of seppuku. Large historical paintings, photographs, and other artwork will attract readers. Similar in scope to Fiona Mcdonald's How to Be a Samurai Warrior and How to Be a Medieval Knight (both National Geographic, 2005), this series has lengthier text and covers topics in greater detail. The books are well organized and clearly (if not particularly engagingly) written and provide good introductions for students fascinated with historical fighters.-Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.