Rats, Bulls & Flying Machines: A History of the Renaissance & Reformation

by Deborah Mazzotta Prum, John Holdren

Rats, Bulls and Flying Machines is a humorous history of the Renaissance for young adults. The lively prose is interspersed with over 100 images, including Renaissance art, cartoons and maps. The book emphasizes the story in history, brings interesting characters to life, and provides plenty of engaging anecdotes.

Genres: History

106 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1999

About the author

Also published under the name Deborah M. Prum & Deborah Prum

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a solid overview of the Renaissance for kids. They did a nice job of juxtaposing Ghiberti and Brunelleschi, the Medicis and Savonarola, and so on. Chapter 5 covers Renaissance women, which was fortuitous, as Posy was asking, "What were all the women doing?" in aggrieved tones. I was also pleased with the clarity with which the author demonstrated that Gutenberg paved the way for the Protestant Reformation. I will use this again with my youngest on our next history rotation.

[Melissa Pinkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a a really good way for someone to get an overview of the Renaissance and Reformation period of history. Although targeted at children, every age will learn and enjoy this book.

[Hava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked this book out because I have been reading the Core Knowledge series, and this book came highly recommended from the Core Knowledge Foundation. Having read it, I have to say that I highly recommend it too. It was fun, interesting, and fact-packed. I learned a lot, and was entertained in process. Two thumbs up!

[Astra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned what a Papal bull is!

[Shammah]

How do you get to read this book

[Jenn Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this book - great info, in an easy-to-understand format for the kids.