The two books focus on the social lives of the ancient Egyptians. In the book Voices in Ancient Egypt, Kay presents an anthology of poems and pictures of workers in ancient Egypt (Kay & Moser, 2003). On the other hand, Hibbert in the book Rich and Poor in Ancient Egypt highlights the differences among the social classes in ancient Egypt (Hibbert, 2006). The two books are systematically organized to enhance the readability among the younger readers. As such, the authors employ the use of pictures, comments, and sketches to emphasize on several themes contained in the books. This paper evaluates the two books from different perspectives.
The two books’ contents are based on the information the authors collected from their travels, literature reviews, museums, and art consultants. Based on their extensive studies and researchers prior to the writing of their books, the information represented in the two books is accurate. Kay in his book emphasizes that his writings are based on the newly discovered artifacts (Kay & Moser, 2003).
At the end of his book, Kay provides his readers with additional information used in the book. Through this, his works are up to date with the current researchers in Egyptology. On the other hand, Hibbert’s book uses pictures, graffiti, commentaries, and letters to enhance the validity of the information covered in the book (Hibbert, 2006). Unlike Kay’s book, the sources used in this book do not specify the exact dates of their discoveries. Owing to this, we cannot draw a comprehensive conclusion about whether the book’s information is up to date with the current research data.
The contents covered in the two books are organized in logical sequences. For instance, the content in Hibbert’s book is organized in a hierarchical manner. The book in its introductory part details the ancient Egyptians’ lifestyles from the upper class to the lower class. Similarly, Hibbert’s book is organized in such a manner that it details the experiences of ancient Egyptians from their birth to their death.
In Kay’s book, concepts are logically organized. The author describes the social lifestyles of the ancient Egyptians in a hierarchical manner. Through this approach, the author manages to detail the customary lives of ancient Egyptian workers from farmers to palace attendants. By doing so, the author conveys the remarkable lifestyles of an ancient multicultural civilization. Similarly, chapters in the book precede one another in a logical manner.
Both texts are entertaining and educational for elementary children. In the two books, several illustrations have been used to enhance the books’ readability. Equally, the vocabularies used in the two books are easy and printed with attractive and colorful fonts to enhance readability among elementary children. Moreover, the books’ contents have been subdivided into short and interesting chapters. Short chapters ensure that the books’ themes remain comprehensible to the elementary children.
Despite the absence of a glossary in Rich and Poor in Ancient Egypt, Hibbert explains the meaning of every specialized terminology used through commentary notes. On the other hand, Kay’s book has a glossary explaining the meaning of every specialized terminology used in the book. The two books are similar in that they provide basic information on the ancient Egyptians lifestyles. Similarly, the books target a common audience.
In terms of their readability and clarity, Hibbert’s book seems to be more appropriate than Kay’s book. Hibbert uses more pictures and commentary notes on every page than Kay. In addition, Hibbert’s use of commentary notes does not only provide the meaning of every specialized terminology but also provides background information on the terminology. In this regard, Hibbert’s book is more educational and entertaining than Kay’s book.
References
Hibbert, C. (2006). Ancient Egypt. North Mankato, Minn.: Smart Apple Media.
Kay, W., & Moser, B. (2003). Voices of ancient Egypt. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.