The Wood Age

Roland Ennos takes readers on an extraordinary journey spanning ten million years, from the era when great apes nestled among the branches to the dawn of early humans who relied on wood for essential needs such as fire, shelter, tools, and weapons. The narrative progresses through significant historical milestones, including the creation of wheels, musical instruments like woodwinds, and the monumental invention of paper and the printing press.

Drawing upon recent research and offering new interpretations of existing evidence across diverse fields such as primatology, anthropology, archaeology, history, architecture, engineering, and carpentry, Ennos meticulously demonstrates how our proficiency in utilising wood has indelibly shaped our physical forms, cognitive abilities, societies, and daily lives.

Ennos doesn't just trace the historical impacts of wood. He addresses the upheaval wrought by industrialisation and explores how a renewed appreciation for traditional methods of cultivating, employing, and comprehending trees can play a significant role in addressing climate change and fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.

The Wood Age is an unparalleled narrative in the tradition of Harari’s Sapiens, presenting an exceptional history of humanity through the lens of the material that has been pivotal to our evolution. As John Carey from The Sunday Times remarks, it is "a stunning book on the incalculable debt humanity owes wood." This book is essential for anyone interested in understanding the foundational elements of human progress and sustainability. Discover how the age-old relationship with wood continues to shape our future.