People of the Earth: An Introduction to World Prehistory

By Brian Fagan (Author)

Edition: 15th
Language: English
Publisher: Routledge
Dimensions: 8.5 x 1 x 10.5 inches
ISBN-10: 1138722960
ISBN-13: 978-1138722965
Publication Date: October 1, 2018
Print Length: 520 pages

A narrative account of the prehistory of humankind from our origins over 3 million years ago to the first pre-industrial civilizations, beginning about 5,000 years ago. This is a global prehistory that covers prehistoric times in every corner of the world, written in a jargon-free style for newcomers to archaeology. Unlike many world histories which begin with the first civilizations, this book starts at the beginning of human history and summarizes the latest research into such major topics as human origins, the emergence and spread of modern humans, the first farming, and the origins of civilization.

People of the Earth is unique in its even balance of the human past, its readily accessible style, and its flowing narrative that carries the reader through the long sweep of our past. The book is highly illustrated and features boxes and sidebars describing key dating methods and important archaeological sites. This classic world prehistory sets the standard for books on the subject and is the most widely used prehistory textbook in the world. It is aimed at introductory students in archaeology and anthropology taking survey courses on the prehistoric past, as well as more advanced readers. It will also appeal to students of human responses to climatic and environmental change.