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Origin Story
A Big History of Everything
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Check link for latest rating. ( 7,523 ratings, 755 reviews)
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Origin Story
$3000
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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?
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
Origin Story by David Christian takes readers on a compelling journey through the vast history of the universe, examining the events and circumstances that have shaped our existence. Starting from the Big Bang, 13.8 billion years ago, Christian intricately weaves together the threads of cosmic, biological, and human history to paint a cohesive picture of where we come from and where we might be headed.
As we traverse through eight pivotal thresholds of increasing complexity, the narrative transforms from the formation of the first stars and galaxies, to the emergence of life on Earth, and the eventual rise of Homo sapiens. Christian meticulously explores each threshold, describing how specific conditions enabled new forms of complexity to take shape. These key moments include the development of agriculture, which radically altered human societies, and the exploitation of fossil fuels, which powered unprecedented growth but now poses existential risks to our planet.
Origin Story is anchored in the concept of Big History, a multidisciplinary approach that bridges the gaps between different fields of knowledge, from cosmology and geology, to biology and human history. This holistic perspective allows Christian to present a unified narrative of our past, one that is both scientific and deeply humanistic, offering insights into the intricate relationships and interdependencies that define our world.
Christian's storytelling is panoramic and thrilling, bringing to life the grand processes that have molded the universe and everything within it. By understanding our place in this vast continuum, we gain a profound appreciation for the complexities of human existence and our collective responsibilities moving forward.
Origin Story is not just a chronicle of the past; it is a way for us to understand the future. It challenges readers to think about the long-term impacts of our actions and the fragile yet resilient nature of our civilisation. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the grand narrative of the cosmos and the intricate tapestry of life on Earth.
David Christian's masterful synthesis of modern knowledge makes Origin Story a groundbreaking workβa dynamic and enlightening exploration of the universe's greatest mysteries and the enduring quest to understand our place within it.
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?
Origin Story by David Christian has been widely praised for its gripping and clear presentation of the history of the universe, from the Big Bang to modern civilisation. Reviewers highlight the book's ability to make complex scientific and historical concepts accessible, with captivating prose and insightful synthesis. It has been described as awe-inspiring, cogent, and a magnificent achievement, offering readers a superb and engaging understanding of our place in the cosmos.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141983028
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 04 July 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 21.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 269g
Pages: 368
About the Author
David Christian is a distinguished professor in history at Macquarie University in Australia and the co-founder, with Bill Gates, of The Big History Project, which has built a free online syllabus on the history of the universe and is taught in schools all over the world. He is also co-creator of Macquarie University Big History School, which provides online courses in big history for primary and high school students. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Oxford. He has delivered keynotes at conferences around the world including at the Davos World Economic Forum, and his TED Talk on the history of the Universe has been viewed over 7 million times.
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