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kevin_shepherd's review against another edition
4.0
“There is nothing inevitable about human evolution.”
The “Science Masters” series includes such renowned authors as Daniel Dennett (Kinds of Minds), Richard Dawkins (River Out of Eden), Jared Diamond (The Evolution of Human Sexuality), and Steven Pinker (Words and Rules). They are generally very concise books written for a wide audience. This is my second read in this series and I am in no way disappointed.
Within the social and scientific circles of paleoanthropology, the Leakeys are royalty. They are the first family of evolutionary discovery. Louis Leakey, Richard’s father, was probably the reason I decided to study anthropology in college. His articles were the main reason I read every issue of National Geographic*, 1971 to 1978. Richard’s mother Mary Leakey might have been the premier paleoanthropologist of her era and his wife Meave Leakey is currently the coordinator of Plio-Pleistocene research at the Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya.
The Origin of Humankind was first published in 1994. Although it’s now a bit dated it is still an excellent primer for anyone interested in the science of paleoanthropology. Leakey touches on most all of the important discoveries and the individuals who have contributed significantly to our understanding of human evolution, including Donald Johanson, Raymond Dart, Tim White, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Allan Wilson, and, of course, Mary Leakey.
*NOTE: If I were to be totally honest, it was probably boobie photos that fueled my primary interest in National Geographic, 1971 to 1978 (I was sixteen years old in ‘78) but I tell everyone it was Louis Leakey so that I seem less perverse and more mature.
The “Science Masters” series includes such renowned authors as Daniel Dennett (Kinds of Minds), Richard Dawkins (River Out of Eden), Jared Diamond (The Evolution of Human Sexuality), and Steven Pinker (Words and Rules). They are generally very concise books written for a wide audience. This is my second read in this series and I am in no way disappointed.
Within the social and scientific circles of paleoanthropology, the Leakeys are royalty. They are the first family of evolutionary discovery. Louis Leakey, Richard’s father, was probably the reason I decided to study anthropology in college. His articles were the main reason I read every issue of National Geographic*, 1971 to 1978. Richard’s mother Mary Leakey might have been the premier paleoanthropologist of her era and his wife Meave Leakey is currently the coordinator of Plio-Pleistocene research at the Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya.
The Origin of Humankind was first published in 1994. Although it’s now a bit dated it is still an excellent primer for anyone interested in the science of paleoanthropology. Leakey touches on most all of the important discoveries and the individuals who have contributed significantly to our understanding of human evolution, including Donald Johanson, Raymond Dart, Tim White, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Allan Wilson, and, of course, Mary Leakey.
*NOTE: If I were to be totally honest, it was probably boobie photos that fueled my primary interest in National Geographic, 1971 to 1978 (I was sixteen years old in ‘78) but I tell everyone it was Louis Leakey so that I seem less perverse and more mature.
rosekk's review against another edition
4.0
Given that I have read very little on the subject, I can't say how this rates as a book on prehistoric man - how accurate it is e.t.c. are unknown to me. It's inspired me to read more (and more up to date) texts on the subject though, so as an introduction to the area it's encouraging.
kosr's review
5.0
Origin of Mind
Update Jan 3rd 2022- Rest In Peace Richard Leakey
This book nearly convinced me to become a paleoanthropologist, so not bad for a second hand purchase from a charity book store! So interesting and varied is the work presented in these pages, that I found myself wanting to look into more detail beyond the brief introduction Richard Leakey provides here.
The first half of the book can easily be described as laying out what is known of our species origins and it's trajectory to present day, based on what has been discovered via ancient bones, and ancient campsites. It's quite a standard run through, but fascinating non the less. I would advise caution due to this being a few years old now, however I don't believe this to be highly out-dated at the time of this review. Its also worth noting how little evidence there is for this area, even by some scientific standards. So it's not hard to see how experts have drawn large conclusions with little evidence.
The second half is where things get really interesting. Language, it's implications, (potential) shamanistic wallpaintings, our inclusinvess or seperation from the rest of nature, consciousness and it's origins, animals and their ability of self awareness, all are brought to the table for discussion. It's makes for a fascinating and enjoyable read, especially knowing that if any of these questions were answered, it would change how we perceive ourselves forever. What could be more incredible than that!
It's in all our interest to understand this area of work, we're all the same species after all!
Update Jan 3rd 2022- Rest In Peace Richard Leakey
This book nearly convinced me to become a paleoanthropologist, so not bad for a second hand purchase from a charity book store! So interesting and varied is the work presented in these pages, that I found myself wanting to look into more detail beyond the brief introduction Richard Leakey provides here.
The first half of the book can easily be described as laying out what is known of our species origins and it's trajectory to present day, based on what has been discovered via ancient bones, and ancient campsites. It's quite a standard run through, but fascinating non the less. I would advise caution due to this being a few years old now, however I don't believe this to be highly out-dated at the time of this review. Its also worth noting how little evidence there is for this area, even by some scientific standards. So it's not hard to see how experts have drawn large conclusions with little evidence.
The second half is where things get really interesting. Language, it's implications, (potential) shamanistic wallpaintings, our inclusinvess or seperation from the rest of nature, consciousness and it's origins, animals and their ability of self awareness, all are brought to the table for discussion. It's makes for a fascinating and enjoyable read, especially knowing that if any of these questions were answered, it would change how we perceive ourselves forever. What could be more incredible than that!
It's in all our interest to understand this area of work, we're all the same species after all!
johanlund's review
5.0
Great book for a fast review of the state of paleontolean science at 1994. Easy read and very fun.
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