dimitribelgium 's review for:

3.0

The title says it all.

Eurasian domesticated large mammals & a large selection of cultivatable plants promoted population growth & social complexity early on, allowing an edge in martial metallurgy around 1500 AD, backed up by a hidden arsenal of infectious diseases of mostly bovine origin.

Not as ground-breaking a conclusion as it used to be, but Diamond's own experiences among the tribes of New Guinea who practice several varieties of agriculture & hunting make for heartfelt illustrations.