Reviews

I rarely write reviews, but this volume inspired passion in me. This book is very weak after the first chapter and until the epilogue, especially from the seventh to eleventh chapters. That is because Henry Gee sets up evolution as a deterministic process—something with a goal, that is always seeking either to be human or bird. Perhaps, that is good for storytelling, but there are plenty of science educators who can tell an engaging story without speaking of evolution like this. (Paleo Analysis, PBS Eons, and History of the Earth to name a few YouTube channels.) Humans and birds are not the ideal animals. They are incredible, yes, but it is shocking how Gee treats non-Homo sapiens humans without grace, even cementing this at the end of the eleventh chapter.

In fact, I do think you’re better off watching these YouTube channels (especially Paleo Analysis) instead of reading this book. That is because Gee spends significant time naming species without going into what actually differentiates these animals. You need to have Google open to search every name if you want to understand what he says. For that reason, you’re better off just watching a video that will show you some reconstructions of the species.

This book can only serve as a very basic introduction to the history of the planet. The language leans toward extravagance, straying from the accessibility the premise promises its readers. Metaphors fall flat. Sentences are aimless. It is a disingenuous work.

There is some redemption for the epilogue, but I don’t recommend this book regardless.