Product Description

DK continues its commitment to providing comprehensive reference books for young readers with the Encyclopedia of the Human Body. Perfect for use as a family guide to understanding how the body works and for supporting the science studies of school-age children, this volume is packed with bold illustrations and easy-to-follow text. The most challenging anatomical concepts, from how our skeletons support our body weight to the impact computer imaging is having on the fight against disease, are clearly presented for ease in understanding. Fascinating information on the history of medicine and its pioneers rounds out this must-have compendium.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #262970 in Books
• Published on: 2002-08-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 304 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Presented in signature DK style, Encyclopedia of the Human Body, edited by Richard Walker, offers a detailed look (via microscope and X-ray, too) at this most amazing creation, and includes the reproductive system (which is not included in From Head to Toe, above). "Working Parts" and "Moving Framework" (which covers the skeletal system, muscles and joints) are among the volume's seven sections. Later sections focus on nutrition, exercise and organ function. "The Body Through Time" considers human evolution, public health and modern medicine. Ages 8-up.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 5 Up-This profusely illustrated volume contains 116 entries divided into 5 categories: "Working Parts," "Moving Framework," "Control and Sensation," "Supply and Maintenance," and "New Generations." Within these sections each spread takes a closer look at an aspect of the topic ("Cells," "Cell Structure," "Cell Chemistry," etc.). Almost 900 clearly labeled and captioned full-color illustrations, photographs, models, diagrams, and electron micrographs are incorporated into this work. Useful reference sections at the end include "The Body Through Time," which discusses the evolution of the human body and medical practices, techniques, and discoveries since ancient times; a time line of significant events from 100,000 B.C.E. to the present; and a glossary of nearly 300 scientific terms. The book concludes with an essential index. David Burnie's similar The Concise Encyclopedia of the Human Body (DK, 1995) is easier to navigate for younger students, and has useful biographical sketches and tables of infectious and noninfectious diseases not included in this expanded work. The attractive layout and terrific illustrations in Walker's book will appeal to information seekers and browsers alike.
Shauna Yusko, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
If you have ever wanted to know why your blood is red, how fast your hair grows, or the role of different types of vitamins and minerals in the body, this is the tool for you. This encyclopedia provides a wealth of information associated with the human body in an eye-catching format. Nearly 900 full-color photographs, illustrations, electron micrographs, models, and diagrams accompany the text and are clearly labeled.

Content is organized in seven sections. "Working Parts" includes information on topics such as cells, DNA, and tissues. "Moving Framework" discusses skin, hair, skeletal system, and muscles. "Control and Sensation" includes the nervous system, the five senses, and the brain. "Supply and Maintenance" provides information about blood, the heart, the respiratory system, and digestion. "New Generations" discusses reproduction, birth, aging, and inheritance. The "Body through Time" section at the end of the book contains information about how humans have studied the body throughout the millennia. Double-page spreads provide information on each topic and are succinctly written with numerous illustrative materials. A final reference section provides a time line of significant health-related events from 100,000 B.C.E. to the present and a glossary of simple definitions of almost 300 scientific terms. The comprehensive index is necessary for navigation as topics are not presented alphabetically.

A characteristic DK publication, this encyclopedia is attractive and a good beginning reference source for basic information or quick answers. Browsers will appreciate the appealing layout, especially the close-up images of various body structures. Public and school libraries will be well served by this title. RBB
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