Tag: Carole Wilkinson

Hatshepsut was one of very few females who ruled in ancient Egypt. The other women ruled because they had not choice’ there were no men to do the job. In the 3000 years of ancient Egyptian history, Hatshepsut was the only woman who made the decision to be Pharaoh.
History is like a puzzle. The whole story of a historical event or a famous person’s life hasn’t always survived. Even when it has, we sometimes have only one person’s version of what happened.

Hatshepsut was an Egyptian Pharaoh who ruled in Ancient Egypt for many years. Unlike many other women who acted as ruler until their son was old enough to rule alone, Hatshepsut appears to have embraced her role. Egyptian women, even daughters of pharaohs were seldom involved in governing the country. Most lived in separate palaces with limited knowledge of, or involvement in, affairs of state. Hatshepsut was the eldest daughter of Tuthmosis 1, who ruled Egypt over 3500 years ago. Her story is pieced together from tomb inscriptions, statues, and various historical sources. Historians do not always agree on what actually happened, particularly in the case of Hatshepsut, where there seems to have been some rewriting of her story after her death. One thing that seems to be agreed, is that Hatshepsut was a remarkable woman.

It is a difficult thing to tease out the truth from vastly different versions of the same events/times in history. Carole Wilkinson is very clear from the outset that history is coloured by those who record it. As she states, there are often gaps. In Hatshepsut – The Lost Pharaoh of Egypt she builds a picture of a strong woman from clues left behind. Hatshepsut gives a comprehensive and entertaining picture of the culture and politics of Ancient Egypt and then looks closely at the role Hatshepsut played. Information is interspersed with inscriptions from various tombs and statues and with fictional excerpts from Hatshepsut’s life. Contents page, index, bibliography and background information provide the reader with access to a fascinating period in history. Photos, illustrations, timelines and family trees help to bring history to colourful life. Hatshepsut is part of a new non-fiction series, ‘The Beat’ from Black Dog Books. Recommended for middle primary readers.

Hatshepsut – The Lost Pharaoh of Egypt, Carole Wilkinson
black dog books 2008
ISBN: 9781742030135

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Alexander the Great was a ruthless warrior and king. He conquered most of the known world and crushed all enemies in his path. This is his story.

Although a mighty and courageous man Alexander was also cruel, vile and racist. He killed people on rumours or for being related to traitors and often forced thousands of men into slavery in his campaign for conquest.

After being crowned for a short amount of years he had already lead many successful campaigns and skirmishes. He was fighting at the front line from the time he became Regent of Macedonia to his death in 323 BCE.

This book is a fantastic resource for all ages; it showcases Alexander’s life and experiences with stunning illustrations, highly detailed maps and theoretical accounts of his experiences during Alexander’s entire life from Age 4 to his death.

This Author, Carole Wilkinson, is gifted in showcasing history in such a way that all ages can understand and be interested in these fantastic chapters in history.

Alexander the Great: Reckless Conqueror, by Carole Wilkinson
Black Dog Books, 2004

Alexander of Macedonia (also known as Alexander the Great and, by his enemies, as Alexander the Accursed) became a king at the age of twenty. While many thought him too young for the job and perhaps an easy target, he quickly proved his strength and courage.

In the eight years after he was crowned, he lead his army in a quest to conquer the known world. He defeated the Greeks and the Persians, was named Pharaoh of the Egyptians and travelled across India. He lead his army by example, leading the charge into battles and fighting hard, regularly sustaining injury.

Yet, for all his courage, Alexander was also a man of cruelty. He had anyone he considered a traitor or enemy put to death, and in his quest to rule the world left thousands of people dead or enslaved. Was he a great man or a ruthless tyrant?

Alexander the Great: Reckless Conqueror is an excellent exploration of the man, his times and his feats. Author Carole Wilkinson details his exploits with an emphasis on accuracy. She also offers a human insight into Alexander with fictionalised journal entries at the beginning of each chapter. Maps, illustrations and tables aid in understanding Alexander’s feats.

Wilkinson has a talent for making history accessible to young people.This offering will find a deserving home in school libraries and private collections.

Alexander the Great: Reckless Conqueror, by Carole Wilkinson
Black Dog Books, 2004