Scan barcode
randomprogrammer's review against another edition
4.0
Books on human evolutionary history go out of date fast, as we discover new fossils, archeological sites, and make genetic discoveries.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.
otherwyrld's review against another edition
3.0
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 None of the three subject areas are covered in any real depth, and like most books about the subject are already out of date as new discoveries about human evolution are constantly being published.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 None of the three subject areas are covered in any real depth, and like most books about the subject are already out of date as new discoveries about human evolution are constantly being published.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.
More...