Sapiens A Graphic History, Volume 2

Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 2 by Yuval Noah Harari continues the compelling journey through the annals of human history, brilliantly transforming Harari's international bestseller into an expertly illustrated, immersive experience. This volume, titled The Pillars of Civilization, delves into the monumental shift that occurred when nomadic Homo sapiens began to settle and farm the land. With stunning full-colour illustrations, this graphic novel is the perfect gift for inquisitive minds eager to explore the roots of our modern world.

As humanity embraced agriculture, life changed dramatically—but not always for the better. Harari, alongside his companions Prof. Saraswati and Dr. Fiction, embarks on a fascinating quest through time to uncover the profound impacts of the Agricultural Revolution. Readers will explore how the cultivation of wheat reshaped societies, leading to complex issues like warfare, famine, disease, and inequality, and question whether these outcomes were inevitable or self-inflicted.

The engaging narrative is brought to life with creative storytelling techniques: the birth of modern farming is depicted through the lens of an Elizabethan tragedy, the domestication saga unfolds in the pages of the Daily Business News, and societal inequalities are unravelled in a thrilling superhero detective story. Each section is rich with historical insights, offering both entertainment and enlightenment.

This volume can be enjoyed independently or as a continuation of the first volume, The Birth of Humankind. Harari's vivid and accessible presentation, combined with witty and thought-provoking commentary, ensures that Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 2 is not just an educational read but also an engaging visual journey through our collective past.

Praise for Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens:

"I would recommend Sapiens to anyone who's interested in the history and future of our species." – Bill Gates

"Interesting and provocative... It gives you a sense of how briefly we've been on this Earth." – Barack Obama

"Jaw-dropping from the first word to the last... It may be the best book I've ever read." – Chris Evans

"Contains a remarkable piece of information on almost every page and reminds us that we should be grateful to be human." – Matt Haig

"Sweeps the cobwebs out of your brain... Radiates power and clarity, making the world strange and new." – Sunday Times

"Provocative and fascinating and opinionated... it makes the familiar seem unfamiliar. It altered how I view our species and our world." – Guardian