The World from Beginnings to 4000 BCE

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book The World from Beginnings to 4000 BCE by Ian Tattersall, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ian Tattersall ISBN: 9780199799008
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: February 1, 2008
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Ian Tattersall
ISBN: 9780199799008
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: February 1, 2008
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

To be human is to be curious. And one of the things we are most curious about is how we came to be who we are--how we evolved over millions of years to become creatures capable of inquiring into our own evolution. In this lively and readable introduction, renowned anthropologist Ian Tattersall thoroughly examines both fossil and archaeological records to trace human evolution from the earliest beginnings of our zoological family, Hominidae, through the appearance of Homo sapiens to the Agricultural Revolution. He begins with an accessible overview of evolutionary theory and then explores the major turning points in human evolution: the emergence of the genus Homo, the advantages of bipedalism, the birth of the big brain and symbolic thinking, Paleolithic and Neolithic tool making, and finally the enormously consequential shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies 10,000 years ago. Focusing particularly on the pattern of events and innovations in human biological and cultural evolution, Tattersall offers illuminating commentary on a wide range of topics, including the earliest known artistic expressions, ancient burial rites, the beginnings of language, the likely causes of Neanderthal extinction, the relationship between agriculture and Christianity, and the still unsolved mysteries of human consciousness. Complemented by a wealth of illustrations and written with the grace and accessibility for which Tattersall is widely admire, The World from Beginnings to 4000 BCE invites us to take a closer look at the strange and distant beings who, over the course of millions of years, would become us.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

To be human is to be curious. And one of the things we are most curious about is how we came to be who we are--how we evolved over millions of years to become creatures capable of inquiring into our own evolution. In this lively and readable introduction, renowned anthropologist Ian Tattersall thoroughly examines both fossil and archaeological records to trace human evolution from the earliest beginnings of our zoological family, Hominidae, through the appearance of Homo sapiens to the Agricultural Revolution. He begins with an accessible overview of evolutionary theory and then explores the major turning points in human evolution: the emergence of the genus Homo, the advantages of bipedalism, the birth of the big brain and symbolic thinking, Paleolithic and Neolithic tool making, and finally the enormously consequential shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies 10,000 years ago. Focusing particularly on the pattern of events and innovations in human biological and cultural evolution, Tattersall offers illuminating commentary on a wide range of topics, including the earliest known artistic expressions, ancient burial rites, the beginnings of language, the likely causes of Neanderthal extinction, the relationship between agriculture and Christianity, and the still unsolved mysteries of human consciousness. Complemented by a wealth of illustrations and written with the grace and accessibility for which Tattersall is widely admire, The World from Beginnings to 4000 BCE invites us to take a closer look at the strange and distant beings who, over the course of millions of years, would become us.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Rethinking World Politics by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book La Conquistadora by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book National Innovation Systems by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Why Are There Differences in the Gospels? by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book How to Read Karl Barth by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Blazing Heritage by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book The Toughest Beat by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Atheist Awakening by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Cognition, Evolution, and Behavior by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Social Work Research and Evaluation by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Islam and Liberal Citizenship by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Mastering the Art of Performance by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Infectious Diseases Emergencies by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Survey Research in Corporate Finance by Ian Tattersall
Cover of the book Moral Minorities and the Making of American Democracy by Ian Tattersall
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy