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Origins

How the Earth Shaped Human History
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( 3,994 ratings, 450 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Origins by Lewis Dartnell delves into the profound influence of geological forces on human history. It explores how Earth's natural features have shaped societies, economies, and cultures over millennia, revealing the connections between our planet's physical history and human development.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in how geological and environmental factors have shaped human history and our civilization. It offers a fascinating exploration of the deep forces that have influenced the development of societies, from the terrain to the climate.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Read the Sunday Times bestseller that reveals the Earthโ€™s awesome impact on the shape of human civilisations.

โ€˜Stands comparison with Sapiensโ€ฆ Thrillingโ€™ Sunday Times

Human evolution in East Africa was driven by geological forces.

The Sunday Times bestseller that reveals the Earth's awesome impact on the shape of human civilisations

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Origins by Lewis Dartnell is a riveting exploration that uncovers how Earth's geological and environmental forces have profoundly shaped the course of human history and civilisation. Meticulously researched and engagingly written, this Sunday Times bestseller delves into the deep past to tell the grand story of humanity's development through the lens of our planet's dynamic history.

Professor Lewis Dartnell takes readers on a breathtaking journey through time, blending insights from science and history to reveal the interconnectedness of Earth's physical processes and human evolution. From the way geological upheavals in East Africa steered the course of human evolution, to how the rugged landscapes of ancient Greece sowed the seeds of democracy, Dartnell elucidates the intricate ways in which the physical environment has influenced societal structures and human progress.

In the book, Dartnell also explores how ancient geological formations continue to affect modern phenomena, such as voting behaviours in the United States aligning with the contours of an ancient sea bed. By uncovering these patterns, Origins provides a compelling narrative that bridges the gap between our planet's past and the modern world, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Origins has received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking and illuminating content. The Sunday Times praises it, stating, "Stands comparison with Sapiens... Thrilling." Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads, calls it "A sweeping, brilliant overview of the history not only of our species but of the world." Meanwhile, the Observer describes it as "Absorbing... A first-class read - and an important one."

Ultimately, Origins is not just a chronicle of Earth's influence on human history; it is an eye-opening journey that helps us better understand our place in the world and the forces that continue to shape our future. Discover the untold story of humanity as you are taken through the geological and environmental factors that have crafted the civilisations we know today.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Origins by Lewis Dartnell is praised for its ability to provide a sweeping and engaging overview of both human history and the natural world. Reviewers applaud Dartnell's talent for seeing the big picture and explaining the interconnectedness of disciplines such as geology, geography, and anthropology in an accessible, entertaining manner. His conversational writing style, coupled with deep and diverse knowledge, makes the book both an enjoyable and enlightening read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784705435

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 February 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 303g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Lewis Dartnell is an astrobiology researcher and professor at the University of Westminster. He has won several awards for his science writing, and contributes to the Guardian, The Times and New Scientist. He has also written for television and appeared on Horizon, Sky News, and Wonders of the Universe, as well as National Geographic and History channels. A tireless populariser of science, his previous books include the bestselling The Knowledge- How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch.

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