Sonderbooks Book Review of Parthenon

Reviewed March 29, 2005.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 2004. 36 pages.
Available at Sembach Library (J 726.12 CUR).

In the tradition of Lynn Curlee’s other books on monumental structures, here’s a book on the Parthenon of Athens.

The author covers the mythology behind the site, where Athena and Poseidon had a contest as to who would give the greater gift to the world. Poseidon gave a spring, but Athena gave the first olive tree, thus winning the contest and the Acropolis.

The book goes on to tell about the history of Athens and its Golden Age under Pericles. The Parthenon was built in two stages, with an earlier temple built before the great structure we still see the ruins of today.

The book covers styles of Greek architecture and the parts of their temples. It pictures the beautiful building that once stood there and explains the different uses the temple was put to—It later was used both as a Christian church and a Mosque. Then we hear about its destruction and how many of the sculptures were brought to the British Museum by Lord Elgin.

I’m hoping that some day our family will get to visit Athens, and I’m glad I got to read this book first. I understand the building’s history and architecture better now. It would also be helpful for anyone interested in Greece, and its mythology and history.

Review of other books by Lynn Curlee:
Capital
The Great Nijinsky
The Other Pandemic

-top of page-

Book Reviews by Sondra Eklund

****Parthenon*

by Lynn Curlee