The Complete World of Human Evolution

I am not an expert in this area. I saw a TV series on Discovery channel and I got interested. This book offers SO MUCH information!! It is written rigorously like an academic book, but the wealth of pictures, photos, make it an interesting read. I learned a lot from this book. I also like the fact that they provide lots of facts, and not so much speculation. I'd recommend it to people who are interested in learning more about human evolution.

This book gives a good introduction into the origins and ancestry of the human species. It is divided into three parts.
The first part gives insight in how the research field operates with chapters about the geological timescale, human variation, analytical techniques, dating technologies, taphonomy, etc. What is especially good about this segment is that it also discusses six excavation sites so you get a real feel about what paleoanthropology is all about. This is all done in a short, understandable way, but without simplifying things.
The second part covers the fossil evidence and takes us on the trail of our origins. It covers some 30 million years of history. Beginning with the origins of primates, it takes you on a tour covering the fossils of amongst others Proconsul, Australopithecus Africanus, Homo Ergaster, Homo Erectus, the Neanderthals, Homo Floresiensis, Homo Sapiens. These are all discussed in short chapters doing justice to the scientific issues concerning them (and there are a lot, because all the evidence is scarce and incomplete). Other issues, what makes an ape, migration (multi-regional versus out of Africa), Neanderthal DNA, and others, are also discussed separately.
The third part interprets the evidence. Discussing locomotion in apes and humans, feeding habits, use of tools, art etc.
All in all this book gives a short but clear cut introduction into this field. It is well ordered, written clearly and accompanied by beautiful photography, illustrations and graphics. I also read Carl Zimmer's Smithsonian Intimate guide to human origins but prefer this one because it does more justice to the scientific difficulties and complexities that this field of research has to cope with. (But by all means read that one also! Or his Parasite Rex, which was great!)

Chris Stringer and Peter Andrews did a superlative job with the book. It is the best one I have read on the subject. It is beautifully illustrated with copious colored photos and drawings. The pages are of thick quality paper. The topic is covered thoroughly and competently. It is very up to date and educational. It would make a great gift, a great reference book, a great textbook for an anthropology course, or just a great read for yourself. I think that it is priced at only one-fourth of its real value and I love bargains.
Ralph Hermansen, March 7, 2007

Excellent! Author deals with the subject in a articulate and coherent manner.

This book came out at about the same time as Carl Zimmer's "Smithsonian Intimate Guide to Human Origins." Zimmer's book is far more readable, but contains less detail.

Stringer and Andrews get into considerable detail about the history of human evolution as it is perceived by contemporary scientists. The book is divided into three broad sections: the search for our ancestors, the fossil evidence of their existence and how the evidence is interpreted.

The authors do an excellent job of providing an immense amount of information without bogging down the reader in scientific jargon. Advanced theories and methodologies are explained in terms that a layperson can grasp.

Overall an excellent introduction to the subject for the motivated reader. Most people, however, would probably find Zimmer's book more palatable.

The one thing I really didn't like about this book was the authors propagandizing for extremist global warming views. Reading their chapter on the subject, one would never imagine that there are thousands of respected scientists who don't agree with the alarmists. Of course, both Springer and Andrews, their institutions and colleagues stand to benefit from continued government funding of the "threat." Gee, no one would expect that scientists could be seduced by the prospect of easy money.

Jerry