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Origins

How Earth's History Shaped Human History

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Origins

Written by: Lewis Dartnell
Narrated by: John Sackville
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About this listen

A New York Times best-selling author explains how the physical world shaped the history of our species

When we talk about human history, we often focus on great leaders, population forces, and decisive wars. But how has the earth itself determined our destiny? Our planet wobbles, driving changes in climate that forced the transition from nomadism to farming. Mountainous terrain led to the development of democracy in Greece. Atmospheric circulation patterns later on shaped the progression of global exploration, colonization, and trade. Even today, voting behavior in the southeast United States ultimately follows the underlying pattern of 75 million-year-old sediments from an ancient sea. Everywhere is the deep imprint of the planetary on the human.

From the cultivation of the first crops to the founding of modern states, Origins reveals the breathtaking impact of the earth beneath our feet on the shape of our human civilizations.

©2019 Lewis Dartnell (P)2019 Hachette Audio
Anthropology Atmospheric Science Biological Sciences Earth Sciences Environment Nature & Ecology Science Social Sciences World Ancient History United States Imperialism Gardening Genetics
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What the critics say

"Dartnell's story is beautifully written and organized. His infectious curiosity and enthusiasm tug the reader from page to page, synthesizing geology, oceanography, meteorology, geography, palaeontology, archaeology and political history in a manner that recalls Jared Diamond's classic 1997 book Guns, Germs, and Steel." (Nature)

"The perfect blend of science and history. This is a book that will not only challenge our preconceptions about the past, but should make us think very carefully about humanity's future. Five stars." [Mail on Sunday (UK)]

"An original and timely way of looking at human history through the materials and natural resources that our species has employed to such effect. It should be read by everyone who ponders how long exploitation can continue on a finite planet." (Richard Fortey, author of Earth)

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Requisite to just about every subject!

A book that flows so well that you forget just how much information is being delivered! An essential companion to his book "the knowledge"! Will reread for sure!

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Life and earth are deeply interconnected

This is a fascinating account of the origins and development of life and civilization and its relation to the deep laws of universe and plate tectonics.

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Very good overview of geography and humanity

Very well researched and well thought out presentation of the origins and development of humanity. Quite entertaining too, you may have to listen to some of it a couple of times to fully understand the concepts.

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