Books with author Geoffrey Parker

History Detective Investigates: The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China is a hands-on, investigative approach to history. Learn all about Ancient China, its people and the story of Ancient China that goes back over 3,000 years. The Shang Dynasty was the second dynasty of the three dynasty periods. It followed on from the Xia Dynasty. It was the first dynasty to provide written records of the life in China and it is renowned for making great contributions to Chinese civilisation. Founded sometime around 1600BCE The Shang Dynasty was governed by a series of about 29 kings over a 600 year period. They were situated along the Yellow River Valley and historians know a lot about their lives from the discovery of the oracle bones, ancient tombs and cities and other artefacts. The Shang Dynasty is known for the invention of early writing, the development of a government, their skill with bronze and their use of the chariot and bronze weapons in warfare. Contains maps, paintings, artefacts and photographs to show what life was like under the Shang Dynasty. Ideally suited for readers age 8+ or teachers who are looking for books to support the new curriculum for 2014. If you enjoy reading about The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China then take a look at Stone Age to Iron Age, The Mayan Civilization, Early Islamic Civilization and The Indus Valley.

The Tower of London is one of Britain’s premier ancient monuments and tourist attractions. Until the 19th-century, however, the Tower was a collection of self-contained communities: as well as a royal residence, it housed the Menagerie, the Record Office, the Board of Ordnance, and the Royal Mint. During the 19th century, most of these bodies withdrew, older buildings were repaired, and more recent ones were demolished as part of a program to make the Tower resemble a medieval castle once again. The Crown Jewels and the Armories were both re-displayed, creating a magnet for visitors. Many previously unpublished images, taken between 1850 and 1950, have been included in order to provide, for the first time, a valuable record of the remarkable transformations which have shaped the Tower of London on view today.

Homes and businesses around the world have solar panels to harness the suns energy for electricity. But even more remarkably, NASA powered an airplane using solar power in 2001! Achievements in renewable energy are encouraging as the worlds reserves of oil, natural gas, and coal continue to be depleted. Readers will learn the state of nonrenewable resources on Earth in addition to information about the renewable energy technology that will power cars and homes in the future. Discussion of greenhouse gases and climate change provide readers with basic knowledge about the changing needs of Earth. Detailed sidebars and fact boxes augment science and social studies information, offering readers both pros and cons of solar, wind, and water energy, among others. Colorful photographs will further engage readers with these important topics as they begin to form opinions using their new knowledge.