Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

We used this book in our unit study on Ancient Greece. It just so happened, that during the reading, our Science lesson was on the six simple machines, a few of which Archimedes was the founder! As if all this isn't enough, my children took away with them an interesting outlook. We take the principles such as the center of gravity, buoyancy, pi, exponents, all that we know about geometry, etc. for granted. It's so much a part of our lives. This book helped us to imagine a time when these concepts were yet to be uncovered, an exciting time in the development of applied science and technology. It also helped us see Archimedes as a real man, and not just another boring scientist to learn about.

Even though my kids are homeschooled, they moan and groan about their work just like any other kids. This book was still able to capture them. It was a great selection that complemented our studies very well, and was a good investment of time and money.


Do Not Hesitate to Buy This Book!   September 29, 2005
 37 out of 37 found this review helpful

I have had an interest in buying this book for many years. It is recommended in virtually every reputable catalog. It just always seemed like when essential schoolbooks were purchased, it didn't make sense to purchase a book about just ONE person. Well, that was a gigantic mistake on my part. The accomplishments of Archimedes made him one of the most important founders of science. This captivating book tells the story of Archimedes life AND gives vivid imagery to his accomplishments through simple, effective text and delightful illustrations. From my 3rd grader to my 10th grader, they all eagerly finished the book with enthusiastic comprehension. Of course, the "Eureka" story stood out to all, but other concepts such as levers and water displacement were covered in a way that brought clarity to those scientific principles. So this book is not about one man, but a plethora of important scientific observations.


The Illustrated Archimedes   February 3, 2000
 47 out of 50 found this review helpful

Not only is this book an educational and interesting read, it also inspires investigation into Archimedian principles and inventions. The drawings illustrate these scientific principles clearly. Our favorite part is when Archimedes finally makes a break through with displacement and density and runs through the streets stark naked shouting, "Eureka!"


An Exceptionally Written Book!   November 29, 1999
 60 out of 61 found this review helpful

As a blind buy, but still needing an upper-elementary level book on Archimedes, I was more than happily surprised to see what an absolute gem this book was! Well written, easily understood, yet not too basic, the author weaves and explains scientific and mathematical principles in a story-like form that entranced my homeschooled fifth-grader. This is one he'll want to read over and over--not a book he felt he "had" to read. I highly recommend its purchase.


Great little book   July 5, 2007
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

My 12 year old and then my wife have read this nifty little book before I got to read the father's day present. I generally like less-than-one-hour biographies with pictures, particularly of inventors.
Great book for readers at 4th grade level and above.
For adults, if you admit to liking cliff notes, I would recommend this book on Archimedes first, before buying something more scholarly.