A Short History of Humanity

Discover the captivating journey of humanity with 'A Short History of Humanity' by Johannes Krause. This groundbreaking book combines the fascinating fields of archaeogenetics and historical science to reveal how our ancestors navigated profound challenges and shaped the world we inhabit today. Delve into the sweeping narratives of migration, survival, and evolution chronicled through our DNA. You’ll explore the lives of iconic species, from the intelligent Homo Erectus to the enigmatic Neanderthals and the recently found Denisovans. Learn about our creative ancestors, like the Aurignacians, who transformed art, and the Varna, known for their early burial practices rich with gold. This enlightening read not only narrates the saga of Homo Sapiens as we expanded across continents but also reflects on pressing global issues like climate change, epidemics, and social conflicts that we continue to confront. 'A Short History of Humanity' is a must-read for anyone interested in human evolution, archaeology, and the intricate tapestry of our shared legacy. With 288 pages filled with vivid storytelling and rich insights, this book is a vital resource for students, history buffs, and anyone curious about the human experience. Enhance your understanding of our past and our place in the world with this compelling narrative. Plus, enjoy FREE shipping on your order! Note: combined shipping for other items is not applicable with this purchase. Allow up to 10 days for delivery.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780753554951
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2021
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE UK
Pages: 288


Description:
Humanity has often found itself on the precipice. We've survived and thrived because we've never stopped moving...

In this eye-opening book, Johannes Krause, Chair of the Max Planck Institute for the History of Humanity, offers a new way of understanding our past, present and future.

Marshalling unique insights from archaeogenetics, an emerging new discipline that allows us to read our ancestors' DNA like journals chronicling personal stories of migration, Krause charts two millennia of adaption, movement and survival, culminating in the triumph of Homo Sapiens as we swept through Europe and beyond in successive waves of migration - developing everything from language, the patriarchy, disease, art and a love of pets as we did so.

We also meet our ancestors, from those many of us have heard of - such as Homo Erectus and the Neanderthals - to the wildly unfamiliar but no less real- the recently discovered Denisovans, who ranged across Asia and, like humans, interbred with Neanderthals; the Aurignacians, skilled artists who, 40,000 years ago, brought about an extraordinary transformation in what our species could invent and create; the Varna, who buried their loved ones with gold long before the Pharaohs of Egypt did; and the Gravettians, big game hunters who were Europe's most successful early settlers until they perished in the face of the toughest opponent humanity had ever faced- the ice age.

As well as being a radical new telling of our shared story, this book is a reminder that the global problems that keep us awake at night - climate catastrophe; the sudden emergence of deadly epidemics; refugee crises; ethnic conflict; over-population - are all things we've faced, and overcome, before.


This product has FREE shipping however combined shipping for other products is not available with this item. Please allow up to 10 days for shipping.