The Wood Age
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The Wood Age
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The Wood Age
When our ancestors came down from the trees, they brought the trees with them and remade the world.
‘A stunning book on the incalculable debt humanity owes wood…’ John Carey, The Sunday Times
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.
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?
The Wood Age by Roland Ennos is praised for its vast and intricate knowledge of all things arboreal, offering a reinterpretation of human history and prehistory. Reviewers highlight Ennos's passion and detailed descriptions, covering a wide range of topics such as shipbuilding, deforestation, and the mechanics of wood. It's noted for being a very readable historical survey that underscores the significance of wood in our history, suggesting its potential to help reset our relationship with the natural world.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780008318871
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 17 February 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: William Collins
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 21.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 240g
Pages: 336
About the Author
Roland Ennos is a visiting professor of biological sciences at the University of Hull. He is the author of successful textbooks on plants, biomechanics and statistics, while his popular book Trees, which is published by the Natural History Museum, is now in its second edition in both the UK and US. He is an enthusiast for natural history, archaeology and early music, and lives with his partner and several hundred ferns near Hull, in East Yorkshire, England.
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