Human Origins: 7 million years and counting

Homo sapiens is the most successful, widespread, and influential species ever to walk the Earth, but 7 million years ago, they were just another species of great ape. Human Origins recounts the most astonishing evolutionary tale ever told, from our ancestors' first tentative steps towards becoming human to their loss of fur, gain of language, fire, and tools, and creation of modern civilization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2018
Publisher: John Murray Press

Homo sapiens, the remarkable species that has graced the Earth, stands as the most successful, widespread, and influential ever to have walked its surface. In a mere span of evolutionary time, we have achieved remarkable feats, spreading across the globe, exerting control over Earth's biological and mineral resources, reshaping the environment, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and even venturing into space. However, it is important to note that just 7 million years ago, we were merely another species of great ape, quietly dwelling in the forests of East Africa. Our understanding of our ancestral predecessor, who was no more likely than a chimpanzee or gorilla to embark on ocean voyages, compose symphonies, invent steam engines, or contemplate the essence of existence, remains limited.

Human Origins presents an awe-inspiring account of the most extraordinary evolutionary journey ever recounted. It delves into the initial steps our ancestors took toward becoming human, the loss of fur and the acquisition of language, fire, and tools, the expansion beyond Africa, the invention of farming and cities, and ultimately the formation of modern civilization, which may be unique in the vast expanse of the universe. Through this series, we have the opportunity to reconnect with our long-lost ancestors, the other humans who once coexisted on our planet, and contemplate the potential trajectory of our shared story.

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Weight: 282g
Dimension: 137 x 215 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473629806