Everything Anglo-Saxons: Unearth History with Facts, Photos and Fun by National Geographic Kids

There is nothing better that getting children into history - and books - and this series from National Geographic fits the bill perfectly. This particular book about the Anglo-Saxons is even better because it is my favourite period, so I looked forward to reading this - a lot.

It is a glossy, well laid out book with a large format, which is just right for younger readers. It covers the beginning and end of the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain and a definition (with sources) of the Dark Ages. Other topics include the seven kingdoms, crafts. trading, industry and skills, warfare, towns, lifestyle, women and religion. Not forgetting, of course, treasure discoveries and the Viking invasions.

All parts of the history are easy to read and laid out in a very clear way in chapters and sections. Best of all, the pages are illustrated with large colourful photographs of British landscapes, finds and images from West Stow, a re-constructed Anglo-Saxon village in Suffolk. The whole era comes alive and even battles show scenes recreated by history re-enactors. Also included are some of the most famous individuals, like Alfred the Great, Bede, Gildas, Hilda, Edward the Confessor and Harold Godwinson, him of the arrow-in-the-eye fame.

This is a wonderful reference book that is an absolute joy to read. Recommended for anyone interested in this period or, preferably not, because they will be after this.

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Published by Collins on 22 July 2021.
​Advance review copy supplied by the publisher.

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