Origins

SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'Origins by Lewis Dartnell stands comparison with Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens...A thrilling piece of Big History' Sunday Times

'A sweeping, brilliant overview of the history not only of our species but of the world' Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads

When we talk about human history, we focus on great leaders, mass migration and decisive wars. But how has the Earth itself determined our destiny? How has our planet made us?

As a species we are shaped by our environment. Geological forces drove our evolution in East Africa; mountainous terrain led to the development of democracy in Greece; and today voting behaviour in the United States follows the bed of an ancient sea. The human story is the story of these forces, from plate tectonics and climate change, to atmospheric circulation and ocean currents.

How are the Himalayas linked to the orbit of the Earth, and to the formation of the British Isles? By taking us billions of years into our planet's past, Professor Lewis Dartnell tells us the ultimate origin story. When we reach the point where history becomes science we see a vast web of connections that underwrites our modern world and helps us face the challenges of the future.

From the cultivation of the first crops to the founding of modern states, Origins reveals the Earth's awesome impact on the shape of human civilizations.

“A sweeping, brilliant overview of the history not only of our species but of the world. Whether discussing the formation of continents or the role that climate (and climate change) has had on human migration, Lewis Dartnell has a rare talent in being able to see the big picture - and explaining why it matters .”

Dartnell has found 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 -- Simon Griffith Mail on Sunday Dartnell has an easy, light touch that mixes well with his considerable knowledge. The result is a first-class read - and an important one -- Robin McKie Observer 'Extraordinary... Origins is one of those rare books that dissolves mystery through the steady application of sublime lucidity. While reading it, I kept thinking: "Oh, that makes sense..." ... Dartnell understands geology, geography, anthropology, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and history. That's quite an achievement, but what makes him special is the way he communicates the interconnectedness of these disciplines in a clear, logical and entertaining way...Superb. -- Gerard DeGroot The Times Origins by Lewis Dartnell stands comparison with Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens...A thrilling piece of Big History -- James McConnachie Sunday Times A sweeping, brilliant overview of the history not only of our species but of the world. Whether discussing the formation of continents or the role that climate (and climate change) has had on human migration, Lewis Dartnell has a rare talent in being able to see the big picture - and explaining why it matters. -- Peter Frankopan, author of THE SILK ROADS

Lewis Dartnell is an astrobiology researcher and professor at the University of Westminster. He has won several awards for his science writing, and contributes to the Guardian, The Times and New Scientist. He has also written for television and appeared on Horizon, Sky News, and Wonders of the Universe, as well as National Geographic and History channels. A tireless populariser of science, his previous books include the bestselling The Knowledge- How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch.

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