Origins

A sweeping, brilliant overview of the history not only of our species but of the world. Whether discussing the formation of continents or the role that climate (and climate change) has had on human migration, Lewis Dartnell has a rare talent in being able to see the big picture and explaining why it matters. -- Peter Frankopan, author of THE SILK ROADS Origins by Lewis Dartnell stands comparison with Yuval Noah Hararis SapiensA thrilling piece of Big History -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times * Extraordinary Origins is one of those rare books that dissolves mystery through the steady application of sublime lucidity. While reading it, I kept thinking: Oh, that makes sense Dartnell understands geology, geography, anthropology, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and history. Thats quite an achievement, but what makes him special is the way he communicates the interconnectedness of these disciplines in a clear, logical and entertaining waySuperb. -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times * Dartnell has an easy, light touch that mixes well with his considerable knowledge. The result is a first-class read and an important one -- Robin McKie * Observer * Dartnell has found the perfect blend of science and history. This is a book that will not only challenge our preconceptions about the past, but should make us think very carefully about humanitys future -- Simon Griffith * Mail on Sunday * Origins, snappily written, is a fast read fascinating -- David Sexton * Evening Standard, *Book of the week* * Dartnells story is beautifully written and organized. His infectious curiosity and enthusiasm tug the reader from page to page, synthesizing geology, oceanography, meteorology, geography, palaeontology, archaeology and political history in a manner that recalls Jared Diamonds classic 1997 book Guns, Germs, and Steel * Nature * Dartnell is an eloquent, conversational guide to these daunting aeons of time -- Katy Guest * Guardian * What a treat to see history through the eyes of an astrobiologist! Our history was shaped profoundly by the laying down of iron beds two billion years ago, by the tectonic forces that ripped open the African rift valley, by the slow cooling of the earth that began 50 million years ago, and by the evolution of grasses! Lewis Dartnells absorbing new book shows, with many vivid examples, how deeply human history is embedded in the history of planet earth -- David Christian, author of ORIGIN STORY An original and timely way of looking at human history through the materials and natural resources that our species has employed to such effect. It should be read by everyone who ponders how long exploitation can continue on a finite planet. -- Richard Fortey

Lewis Dartnell is an astrobiology researcher and professor at the University of Westminster. He has won several awards for his science writing, and contributes to the Guardian, The Times and New Scientist. He has also written for television and appeared on Horizon, Sky News, and Wonders of the Universe, as well as National Geographic and History channels. A tireless populariser of science, his previous books include the bestselling The Knowledge: How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch.