Story of the World
by Susan Wise Bauer
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
A newer version of Story of the World Vol. 1 audio recording by Jim Weiss is now available! Click here to find out more about it on Christian Book Distributors.
Purchase details: The Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times, by Susan Wise Bauer. Read by Barbara Alan Johnson. CD sound recording of the book. $39.95 list price. Please support HomeschoolChristian.com by buying this program from our Amazon affiliate link.
The Story of the World, Volume 1, by Susan Wise Bauer, is read in its entirety by Barbara Alan Johnson, an actress and homeschooling mother. The set includes six CD's that recount history from "nomad" days to the end of the Roman empire.
Barbara Alan Johnson offers a straightforward, lively reading of the book. She does not do voices, in the manner of Jim Weiss, but reads more in the style that a homeschooling mother would -- warm and enthusiastic.
The CD's come in an attractive and sturdy plastic case. A small booklet details the tracks on the CD's for easy reference. Famous people introduced in the story are cross-referenced by CD track in the booklet.
Recommendation: If you use The Story of the World, the CD set is sure to enhance your children's studies. It will provide excellent reinforcement and will give the homeschooling mother a break in reading when she needs it.
Personal experience: I have serious reservations about parts of The Story of the World as I feel they cover inappropriate material for young ages. For instance, the process of making a mummy is covered in gory detail including an in-depth discussion of removing various body parts and what is done with them. Another example involves the emphasis on the brutality and bloodthirstiness of the Romans in a story about a captive who is forced to be a gladiator. I feel that this negative, death-oriented focus is frightening and unnecessary for young children.
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
HomeschoolChristian.com's History Section where you will find many "living" history resources!
Review of Ancient Greece CD-ROM by Calvert School
Review of Story of the Middle Ages
Review of The Story of the Renaissance and Reformation
Review of Child's History of the World CD-ROM
Review of Child's History of the World by Hillyer
Review of Famous Men of the Rome
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