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*
Endlessly enthralling, Lewis Dartnell explains why the history of
humanity, and of human cultures, both take dictation from the
deeper history of Earth herself - from broad generalities to
surprisingly specific details. An entertaining and informative
essay on contingency - and worthy successor to the writing of
Stephen Jay Gould.
*Ted Nield*
Origins’ strength lies in the way it manages to conjure a tight,
linear narrative from what would otherwise be an overwhelming
wealth of insights, a feat aided by Dartnell’s soothing,
conversational writing style… a captivating and enriching read,
with as much to recommend it to those with an interest in
geophysics as to students of human history and civilization.
*Psysicsworld*
Origins is like a well-crafted jigsaw puzzle. Each piece fits
together beautifully to build up a complete picture of the deep
connections we have to the blue marble we call home… a thoroughly
satisfying read for anyone interested in how our planet drove our
history, and how everything is connected
*BBC Sky at Night, *Book of the Month**
Big history is back… Origins is a bravura survey that captures our
global zeitgeist and emphasises the limits of short-term historical
and political thinking
*BBC History*
A thrilling slice of big history and as good as Harari
*Sunday Times, *Summer Read of 2019**
Enthusiastic and brimful of facts… Dartnell’s great achievement is
that while he crams in a great deal, the reader doesn’t feel
rushed. It moves from the dawn of agriculture, to ancient
Mesopotamian merchants to the coal-fields of England without a
bump
*Geographical*
Instead of looking at what we have done to the Earth, he examines
what it has done to us, interweaving the physical and social
sciences in a clear, logical and joyously entertaining way… [a]
wonderful book
*The Times, *Books of the Year**
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