We read this book as part of homeschooling about the Middle Ages - we just read individual biographies as they became relevant to our history lessons. Having recently had a unit on Gutenberg and the printing press, we also finished this book (as that was the final biography of the text). It's pretty good - a bit dated, and has some odd choices for whom it includes and excludes. Certainly intended for somewhat older students, but my kids (currently 7 & 9) could follow most of it . . .