Wild New World: The Epic Story of Animals and People in America

In 1908, a cowboy discovered the remains of a herd of extinct giant bison in Folsom, New Mexico, revealing that a band of humans had killed and butchered them 12,450 years ago. This discovery expanded America's known human history and highlighted the danger Homo sapiens presented to the continent's evolutionary richness. Dan Floress' ambitious history chronicles the epoch in which humans and animals have coexisted in North America, shaped by its own grand evolutionary forces and momentous arrivals from Asia, Africa, and Europe. He treats humans as a new animal entering two continents that had never seen our likes before, tracing the origins of the "Sixth Extinction" to the spread of humans around the world, the story of Native America, market-driven slaughter, and the decline and recovery of species in recent decades.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2024
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

In 1908, near Folsom, New Mexico, a cowboy stumbled upon the remnants of an extinct herd of giant bison. Through meticulous examination of flint points embedded within the bones, archeologists later established that a group of humans had slaughtered and butchered these majestic creatures 12,450 years ago. This groundbreaking discovery not only significantly augmented the known human history of the Americas but also exposed the persistent threat posed by Homo sapiens to the continent's remarkable evolutionary diversity.

Distinguished author Dan Flores embarks on an ambitious historical journey, delving into the era when humans and animals coexisted in the "wild new world" of North America. This captivating narrative, enriched with captivating portraits of iconic creatures like mammoths, horses, wolves, and bison, offers a fresh perspective on the evolution and historical ecology of this region. Flores treats humans not as distinct species but as newcomers to two continents that had never encountered our kind before. Through his insightful analysis, he reveals how our long history as carnivorous hunters played a pivotal role in the settlement of America, ultimately establishing a coast-to-coast culture that endured for a longer duration than the present-day United States. However, humanity's triumph came at a catastrophic cost to other species.

Flores meticulously traces the origins of the current "Sixth Extinction" to the widespread expansion of humans across the globe. He unravels the captivating story of Native America spanning a millennium, shedding light on the profound impact of Old World ideologies on a period of market-driven slaughter that caused the devastation of numerous ancient American species. Furthermore, he explores the decline and remarkable recovery of species in recent decades, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of nature amidst human challenges.

In a thrilling narrative style, informed by genomic science, evolution, and ecological insights, Flores weaves together a captivating tapestry that sheds light on the intricate interplay between humans, animals, and the natural world. This profound exploration of our past and present challenges provides valuable insights into the delicate balance between civilization and the environment, urging us to embrace responsible stewardship and conservation efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of our planet for generations to come.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 211 x 140 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324065913