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Evolution the Human Story
A unique visual guide to human evolution that brings you face to face with our ancient ancestors.
Illustrated throughout with amazingly realistic model reconstructions by world-renowned Dutch paleoartists Kennis and Kennis.
Draws on cutting-edge research and the latest theories to explain the science, explore our relationship to other primates, and chart our journey out of Africa to colonize and settle the world.
Illustrated throughout with amazingly realistic model reconstructions by world-renowned Dutch paleoartists Kennis and Kennis.
Draws on cutting-edge research and the latest theories to explain the science, explore our relationship to other primates, and chart our journey out of Africa to colonize and settle the world.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Alice Roberts
36 books633 followersAlice May Roberts is an English anatomist, osteoarchaeologist, physical anthropologist, palaeopathologist, television presenter and author.
Roberts studied medicine and anatomy at Cardiff University, qualifying in 1997 as a physician with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh) degree, having gained an intercalated Bachelor of Science degree in anatomy. She earned a PhD in paleopathology in 2008 from the University of Bristol.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Roberts studied medicine and anatomy at Cardiff University, qualifying in 1997 as a physician with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh) degree, having gained an intercalated Bachelor of Science degree in anatomy. She earned a PhD in paleopathology in 2008 from the University of Bristol.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 25, 2012
A large handsomely illustrated coffee table sized book, it still only merits 3 stars because it is difficult to see who it is intended for. It is not a children's book, despite being produced by Dorling Kindersley. It is not intended for experts as most of the book is taken up by illustration and there is very little text. It might be aimed at the interested amateur, but again the small snippets of information are not enough to do more than skim very briefly over the relevant facts. Nor is it designed to teach someone who knows nothing about the subject, as the few facts that are given tend to be at a level that requires at least some knowledge.
The scope of the book is also a little odd - the first part covers human evolution from our most primitive ancestors, before going on to anthropology and finally archaeology. None of the three subject areas are covered in any real depth, and like most books about the subject are already out of date as new discoveries about human evolution are constantly being published.
A lot of the book was devoted to producing "realistic" depictions of what some of our ancestors may have looked like. While they are technically accomplished, some of the facial expressions used are decidedly odd, and are quite off-putting in some cases.
So, a nice book to skim through and certainly an attractive one, but little more than that.
The scope of the book is also a little odd - the first part covers human evolution from our most primitive ancestors, before going on to anthropology and finally archaeology. None of the three subject areas are covered in any real depth, and like most books about the subject are already out of date as new discoveries about human evolution are constantly being published.
A lot of the book was devoted to producing "realistic" depictions of what some of our ancestors may have looked like. While they are technically accomplished, some of the facial expressions used are decidedly odd, and are quite off-putting in some cases.
So, a nice book to skim through and certainly an attractive one, but little more than that.
December 31, 2021
Ancient history of humans
Ancient relics such as fossils, stone tools, bones, footprints, genetic and hereditary information contained in DNA shed light on human ancestors. In few decades, a substantial amount of new evidence suggests origins and the demise of several closely related hominin species that lived in the last seven millions years. Modern humans are new kids on the block who are around for only about 200,000 years on a planet that created life 3.8 billion years ago. The palaeobiological and genetic studies have shown that the origins of modern human beings included interactions with other species like Neanderthals and Denisovans before they went extinct. Hominin species evolved in response to the numerous challenges of nature and selection pressures. Almost all species of hominin are now extinct except for Homo sapiens. Many of extinct species are now known from fossil remains, Homo Neanderthalensis (the Neanderthals), Denisovans, Homo Erectus, Homo Habilis, Homo Ergaster, and various species of Australopithecus. Hominins are distinguished from other primates from their erect posture, bipedal locomotion, larger brains, and behavioral characteristics such as specialized tool use and communication. The living primates most closely related to hominins today are Chimpanzees and Bonobos.
This book is essentially a monograph of history and archaeology of hominin species, and it features numerous colored images of closely related species and the paleoenvironments that included many modern-day wild animals. Their adventures invite us to think about becoming a human species and speculate on the natural section pressures on gene evolution on several dimensions. The reconstructions of extinct hominin species from their anatomical and skeletal remains tell the evolutionary history.
There is a lot to learn about how hominin species and their habitats. Next time, when you are in New York City and If you have time, I recommend visiting the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins at the American Museum of Natural History and look at the exhibits. It features four life-sized tableaux of Homo Ergaster, Homo Erectus, Neanderthals, and Cro-Magnons in its natural habitat.
Ancient relics such as fossils, stone tools, bones, footprints, genetic and hereditary information contained in DNA shed light on human ancestors. In few decades, a substantial amount of new evidence suggests origins and the demise of several closely related hominin species that lived in the last seven millions years. Modern humans are new kids on the block who are around for only about 200,000 years on a planet that created life 3.8 billion years ago. The palaeobiological and genetic studies have shown that the origins of modern human beings included interactions with other species like Neanderthals and Denisovans before they went extinct. Hominin species evolved in response to the numerous challenges of nature and selection pressures. Almost all species of hominin are now extinct except for Homo sapiens. Many of extinct species are now known from fossil remains, Homo Neanderthalensis (the Neanderthals), Denisovans, Homo Erectus, Homo Habilis, Homo Ergaster, and various species of Australopithecus. Hominins are distinguished from other primates from their erect posture, bipedal locomotion, larger brains, and behavioral characteristics such as specialized tool use and communication. The living primates most closely related to hominins today are Chimpanzees and Bonobos.
This book is essentially a monograph of history and archaeology of hominin species, and it features numerous colored images of closely related species and the paleoenvironments that included many modern-day wild animals. Their adventures invite us to think about becoming a human species and speculate on the natural section pressures on gene evolution on several dimensions. The reconstructions of extinct hominin species from their anatomical and skeletal remains tell the evolutionary history.
There is a lot to learn about how hominin species and their habitats. Next time, when you are in New York City and If you have time, I recommend visiting the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins at the American Museum of Natural History and look at the exhibits. It features four life-sized tableaux of Homo Ergaster, Homo Erectus, Neanderthals, and Cro-Magnons in its natural habitat.
April 12, 2013
Yes, a nice addition to an existing collection of anthropology/ biology/ evo content, but should be an addition only. The book simply is not detailed enough to live up to the title; however, if one already has an understanding of evolution, then this book makes a great coffee table piece for talking points. The illustrations are very large and glossy with the feel of a photo-book, making up somewhat for the sparse content. Again, this book won't explain the concepts of evo all that well but is a nice piece if preaching to the choir. For an in-depth look at the details of evo I would recommend: Prothero - "What the Fossils Say and Why it Matters," OR Coyne, "Why Evolution is True." For a different overview also try Zimmer's,"Smithsonian Intimate Guide to Human Origins." (the pictures are not as large but the info is robust)
Cheers.
Cheers.
December 31, 2018
Stunning book, filled with clear, concise language and marvelous drawings, paintings and illustrations to bring the dawn of man to life. Excellent for almost any age.
August 30, 2017
This is not meant to be a textbook, nor should it be. This is a general overview of concepts and creatures the general public have no idea exist. And this is its purpose.
Our gift shop sold this book for a year, and we use it almost daily in our discussions with patrons. The facial reconstructions, the fossil imagery, the creature stats, all of it comes together beautifully and clearly to teach the layman and casual scientist alike.
Excellent book. I hope to see future editions as we discover more.
Our gift shop sold this book for a year, and we use it almost daily in our discussions with patrons. The facial reconstructions, the fossil imagery, the creature stats, all of it comes together beautifully and clearly to teach the layman and casual scientist alike.
Excellent book. I hope to see future editions as we discover more.
January 8, 2019
I was so interested with everything related to the origin of our universe (e.g creation of earth, human evoluton, etc.) after fisnishing the Sapiens book. Then I found this book that gives a very good visualization about the history of earth and human evolution and civilization.
I gave more attention on the vary of hominins until only our species left on earth, how our ancestor lived aside with other species of hominins.
This book is special due to good visualization, explanation, and its full color is an added value.
I gave more attention on the vary of hominins until only our species left on earth, how our ancestor lived aside with other species of hominins.
This book is special due to good visualization, explanation, and its full color is an added value.
December 4, 2018
Ugh, I know, I know, I'm a massive nerd when it comes to the origin of humankind.
My weird obsession lies with Neanderthals (I don't know why, but their enigmatic existence will always haunt me), but I love to see Human's best explanation of where we came from portrayed in such a beautiful light.
The images are so thought-provoking and if this is just your interest you will be held captive by the portrayals of what was likely to be our ancestors.
Informative, educational and awe-inspiring i pick this book and browse through it more often than my read-history on goodreads states.
Brilliant read. Actually, I'm going to dip into it again now.
My weird obsession lies with Neanderthals (I don't know why, but their enigmatic existence will always haunt me), but I love to see Human's best explanation of where we came from portrayed in such a beautiful light.
The images are so thought-provoking and if this is just your interest you will be held captive by the portrayals of what was likely to be our ancestors.
Informative, educational and awe-inspiring i pick this book and browse through it more often than my read-history on goodreads states.
Brilliant read. Actually, I'm going to dip into it again now.
January 14, 2016
Om eerlijk te zijn, ik heb dit boek niet uitgelezen. Dit is echt wat ze een "salonboek" noemen. Grote bladzijden met weinig tekst en veel mooie plaatjes. De teksten zijn niet bijzonder goed geschreven. Kromme zinnen en geen logische opbouw. Er wordt hier en daar ook tamelijk wat voorkennis gevraagd, wat gek is voor dit soort boeken. De foto’s zijn wel knap en geven een goed beeld van hoe onze voorouders er moeten hebben uitgezien. Als je je wil verdiepen in deze materie zou ik dit boek overslaan. Zit je in de lagere school en je moet een spreekbeurt maken voor de klas, dan is dit jouw boek!
February 4, 2020
The facial reconstructions in this book are truly fantastic and fascinating. Worth picking up just to browse the pictures.
August 27, 2023
Controversial but scientific and accurate. I loved reading this book and being awed at how life began on our planet 3.8 billion years ago and how human beings have evolved over the last 7 million years.
March 5, 2019
i kind of wish this went into more detail with archaeological finding, methods etc. but its mainly just a book to flip through at a museum or coffee shop.
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February 2, 2023Hjälpte mig i gymnasiearbete. Thank you monkey book, very cool!
July 26, 2022
Die Evolution des Menschen wird anschaulich erklärt. Wie kann man mit Hilfe von Ausgrabungen die Entwicklung des Menschen dokumentieren und wie funktioniert das und welche Funktionen sind dafür notwendig. Von Gesteinen bis zum Fossilenfund wird die geschichtliche Entwicklung bis zum Homo Sapiens erklärt. Besonders interessant ist auch die Modellierung der einzelnen Entwicklungstypen und wie man vermutet, dass die Fossilenfunde in Wirklichkeit aussahen.
February 5, 2020
One of three books I picked up to learn about advances what we know about human evolution (a fast-moving field in recent years) and the one I would most recommend were you to only read one (the others were "Lone Survivors" and "A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived", both of which also have their merits). This book is compulsively visual, with great pictures of the fossils, anatomy, and artist's reconstructions of most of the species along the line to homo sapiens. The visuals give one a deeper feel for our ancestors than text alone could do. Of course, the text in these DK books tends to be on the dry side - this one is better than some I have looked at, because its theme is a bit more focused (as opposed to just "Animals", for example). This book goes for around $30 and is a bargain at that price.
August 21, 2015
Beautiful pictures and well-arranged material. It is an attractive summary of the current scientific knowledge of human evolution. Great introduction for beginners, and it could even help in convincing some anti-evolutionists, I think.
September 10, 2011
I love skull/facial reconstruction I wish they would do it to all ancient and historic people so I knowhow they look. Statues and pictures are nice, but they lie.
May 28, 2017
كتاب يفتح النفس كله صور ورسومات توضيحية وآدلة وآحافير
بدآ بتاريخ موجز للآرض بعدها التسلسل التطوري للإنسان بالتفصيل الممتع
بدآ بتاريخ موجز للآرض بعدها التسلسل التطوري للإنسان بالتفصيل الممتع
September 16, 2017
روند فرگشت گونه انسان را از نياكان خود بصورت بسيار مفيد و خلاصه و البته مستند، با تصاوير بسيا. با كيفيت و واضح نشان داده است
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August 6, 2022Dr. Alice Roberts is the Professor of Public Engagement at the University of Birmingham in England, and a Biological Anthropologist, and host of "Digging for Britain", and is the is the author of a number of books.
This book is a great explanation of the evolutionary process as it applies to the human species. It takes the reader from a time about 8 million years in a past up to modern times in very well written sections that explain the origins of life in general, and then break down the individual stages of human evolution.
It would I believe be suitable for any young person who is interested in the subject, and make a fantastic addition to any school classroom, as it is very well written and easy to understand. It is full of pictures that explain the concepts of evolution, how facial reconstruction works, and much more.
While even though a book as well written as this one is will still likely not convince those people who are adamant that evolution isn't true, it should I believe go a long way towards convincing those who are on the fence.
Highly recommended.
This book is a great explanation of the evolutionary process as it applies to the human species. It takes the reader from a time about 8 million years in a past up to modern times in very well written sections that explain the origins of life in general, and then break down the individual stages of human evolution.
It would I believe be suitable for any young person who is interested in the subject, and make a fantastic addition to any school classroom, as it is very well written and easy to understand. It is full of pictures that explain the concepts of evolution, how facial reconstruction works, and much more.
While even though a book as well written as this one is will still likely not convince those people who are adamant that evolution isn't true, it should I believe go a long way towards convincing those who are on the fence.
Highly recommended.
January 31, 2024
Looking at the cover, we can see that the skull suggests that it is a wild gorilla, and that it is closer to modern humans. It explains that ancient humans had close roots to wild gorillas.
The theory of human evolution has a single origin in Africa about 200,000 years ago, resulting in SAHELANTHROPUS and AUSTRALOPITHECUS.
This is the theory of evolution that we have learned in school.
But, is this theory true?
In recent years, fossils that are older than those found on the African continent have been discovered in a cave called Misliya in Israel.
And fossils of early modern humans found in Morocco have also been found to be older than those found in Africa.
Modern humans, Homo sapiens sapiens, are one species.
There is only one type of human being.
The theory of human evolution having a single origin in Africa will one day be rejected.
The theory of human evolution has a single origin in Africa about 200,000 years ago, resulting in SAHELANTHROPUS and AUSTRALOPITHECUS.
This is the theory of evolution that we have learned in school.
But, is this theory true?
In recent years, fossils that are older than those found on the African continent have been discovered in a cave called Misliya in Israel.
And fossils of early modern humans found in Morocco have also been found to be older than those found in Africa.
Modern humans, Homo sapiens sapiens, are one species.
There is only one type of human being.
The theory of human evolution having a single origin in Africa will one day be rejected.
September 21, 2021
I picked this book up on a whim. It's definitely coffee-table size and design. Plenty of pictures and graphics tell the story; this is not dry words in a page.
The middle part of the book dragged for me; describing each of the different species that led to Homo sapiens gets a bit repetitive. However, the part after that was my favorite: talking about how "modern" man migrated around the world. Good maps and diagrams here too.
One thing I especially appreciated was the author pointing out areas of continuing debate, and also when a previously well-known, dominant theory had been updated or replaced with info from new discoveries.
The middle part of the book dragged for me; describing each of the different species that led to Homo sapiens gets a bit repetitive. However, the part after that was my favorite: talking about how "modern" man migrated around the world. Good maps and diagrams here too.
One thing I especially appreciated was the author pointing out areas of continuing debate, and also when a previously well-known, dominant theory had been updated or replaced with info from new discoveries.
July 6, 2023
Books on human evolutionary history go out of date fast, as we discover new fossils, archeological sites, and make genetic discoveries. If I remember correctly, 11 years ago I went to a library or bookstore and looked at all their big evolution books and bought this one. It has excellent photos of the exact bones discovered for each species, alongside key information such as placement on the body, function, notes from researchers, tools discovered at digsites and much more. It's also got migration maps, notes on lifestyle speculation, and possible facial reconstructions. This is an excellent choice for someone wanting a modernized DK style picture and words book.
June 19, 2023
Homo sapiens has proven to be a very successful species of primate. However, we may now be reaching a critical point: there are no more continents to colonize, and our population is still expanding.
When modern human made their way into Europe about 50,000 years ago, they were entering the territory of another human species. Neanderthals and their ancestors had been Europe's indigenous people for hundreds of thousands of years. What happened when the two species met is the subject of intense debate.
When modern human made their way into Europe about 50,000 years ago, they were entering the territory of another human species. Neanderthals and their ancestors had been Europe's indigenous people for hundreds of thousands of years. What happened when the two species met is the subject of intense debate.
May 23, 2019
If only all book had illustration like this one !
Love it
Love it
October 8, 2019
This book is an excellent collection of facts about human evolution. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
January 21, 2020
A science picture book which allows for people interested in evolution to learn more about the topic without the boredom of most science based learning texts.
November 21, 2020
Good summary. Quick and easy read with huge quality pictures and reconstructions. A must have if you are looking for a basic to intermediate level human evolution visual reference.
May 17, 2021
Good mix of pictures and words. Good afternoons read.
October 23, 2022
Amazing illustrations. Just what I've been looking for.
March 7, 2024
A great overview. My only complaint was the size of some the the text made parts
Hard to read.
Hard to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews