The Sunday Times bestseller that reveals the Earth's awesome impact on the shape of human civilisations
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.
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*
Origins by Lewis Dartnell stands comparison with Yuval Noah
Harari’s Sapiens…A thrilling piece of Big History
*Sunday Times*
‘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.
*The Times*
Dartnell has an easy, light touch that mixes well with his
considerable knowledge. The result is a first-class read – and an
important one
*Observer*
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
*Mail on Sunday*
Origins, snappily written, is a fast read … fascinating
*Evening Standard, *Book of the week**
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*
Dartnell is an eloquent, conversational guide to these daunting
aeons of time
*Guardian*
What a treat to see history through the eyes of an astrobiologist!
Our history was shaped profoundly by the laying down of iron beds
two billion years ago, by the tectonic forces that ripped open the
African rift valley, by the slow cooling of the earth that began 50
million years ago, and by the evolution of grasses! Lewis
Dartnell’s absorbing new book shows, with many vivid examples, how
deeply human history is embedded in the history of planet earth
*David Christian, author of ORIGIN STORY*
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*
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