Booklets - Post launches new book promotion (Nottingham Post)

HAVE you ever wondered how prehistoric humans used to feed themselves? Or when farming became a regular pursuit?

Or even how towns and cities became a familiar sight across the landscape?

Well now you can find out, thanks to a series of new books which the Nottingham Post is providing for readers.

The History of the World collection will take you from the Big Bang and the dinosaurs to the Romans and the Second World War.

Each of the 24 books is packed full of fascinating facts and colourful pictures, making the series excellent for schoolchildren learning about history, or adults brushing up on their knowledge.

Children from Nottingham were given an early look at one of the editions this week and can't wait to get a copy.

Jack Bridgmount, four, of Gedling, enjoys watching the Horrible Histories TV programme.

He said: "It's very good. The book has lots of good pictures in it. I like to hear about history."

Finley Ackroyd, five, of West Bridgford, said: "I've been learning about ancient Egypt at school. It's very interesting. Hopefully I can learn more with the book."

Alex Smith, five, of Aspley, was also impressed.

He said: "I've heard all about Greece. I would much rather live like we do today. It couldn't have been nice with no electricity."

Brother and sister Ben and Alex Wadsworth, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, also caught an early glimpse of one of the books.

"I've been learning about the Second World War at school," said Ben, eight. "I like history and hearing about how people lived in the past."

Alex, six, said: "The pictures are really good in the book."

The first book in the series – called Prehistory – is being given away by the Post on Tuesday. Newsagents and retailers should provide the book with your Post.

A new issue will be brought out every week until November. All other 23 issues can then be bought by readers.

They must present their coupon, printed in the Post every Tuesday, to the retailer and pay the price of £2.99 per copy.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Post-launches-new-book-promotion/article-3626025-detail/article.html

News - Museum offers public chance to handle prehistoric axes (Nottingham)

The Nottinghamshire public are being offered a rare opportunity to handle a 50,000-year-old axe and other ancient artefacts at a local museum.

The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology is putting on a 'Prehistory Day'on 23 February 2011, in conjunction with the BBC's Hands On History . 

Curator Clare Pickersgill said: "It's so important. When you hold an object you begin to ask different questions." 

The attraction is the only specialised archaeological museum in the region. 

"What I love about this museum are the everyday objects," said Ms Pickersgill. "These tell us so much about the everyday people like you and I. 

"Somebody said to me that this collection is a snapshot of Nottinghamshire over time. You can see how people lived over 250,000 years." 

The museum opened in 1933 with artefacts donated by Felix Oswald, including his collection from excavations at Margidunum, a Roman site found under a roundabout at Bingham in the early 1930s.

Its collection has swelled through donations from individuals, as well as finds by the Department of Archaeology at the university. 

"We have a medieval site on campus. It's the medieval village of Keighton, first found in the Second World War during the 'digging for victory'," said Ms Pickersgill. 

"It produced cooking pots and tiles for Lenton Priory in the 14th and 15th century." 

In 2010 the museum won the Nottinghamshire Heritage Museum of the Year award. 

Ms Pickersgill said the award was in recognition for their outreach work and their progress on making the collections more accessible. 

"A lot of people might think that we're just here for the students but we're here for everyone. 

"Previously there were objects in cases but no labels and the museum was not always open. Now we're open Monday to Friday, 10.00am until 4.00pm, we're free and anyone can come and look." 

The Hands on Prehistory day at The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology, will take place on 23 February, 11.00am to 4.00pm. This event is part of the BBC's Hands On History.

from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/nottingham/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_9398000/9398611.stm