An introduction to the Arab world through the arts and sciences developed in the many countries of the Middle East and North Africa and other regions where Arab culture flourished. One-to-four–page introductions to many topics brim busily with excellent color photographs and provide readers with background information on education, astronomy, weaponry, architecture, food, medical discoveries, arts and crafts, religion, and everyday inventions such as mattresses and hard soap. Arab women get a little specific attention near the end, and the last few pages are devoted to contemporary life, but there is no focus on political issues. This positive celebration of learning, ingenuity and culture seeks to highlight the contributions of Arabs from earlier centuries and to make contemporary connections, occasionally with a little too much emphasis. For example, Ammar al-Mawsili is mentioned as being the inventor of "a special syringe and a hollow needle that he used to suck the cataract out of the eye," and the author avers that today's surgeons use similar techniques and equipment. While that may be true, earlier Indian, Greek, Roman and Egyptian developments are omitted, giving readers a simplistic view of the history of ophthalmology. Despite weaknesses, this survey definitely fills a niche. Tidbits of information and crisp, engaging photographs will entice browsers, while students needing information for substantive research projects will need additional resources on many topics. (bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 11-14)

Gr 4-7 Hussain provides an enthusiastic overview of the Arab world's extensive contributions to civilization, from the universal astrolabe, an ancient computer that calculated time and the sun's exact position at any location, to the oldest university still operating today. Her prose is clear and straightforward, if slightly dry in places. Considering the breadth of subject matter, Hussain does a remarkable job of packing a significant amount of information into easily digestible entries that readers will find worthwhile. The chapter covering the long-neglected historical contributions of Arab women should prove especially valuable. The text features a brief introduction, along with maps and historical time line material, which should orient those unfamiliar with the subject. The rest of the material is not organized in any particular order, but compact chapters and an ample index make this a helpful resource nonetheless, especially considering the lack of comparable up-to-date titles about the history of the Arab world. Plentiful high-quality color photographs bring the past and present to life, complementing the book's crisp design. Back matter includes notes on the Arabic language and alphabet. Overall, a useful resource. Ted McCoy, Springfield City Library, MA