ISBN: 0-393-31755-2 Order from: Amazon.com
While somewhat repetetive, this well-written book outlines in an entertaining but substantial fashion a fascinating theory of human development.
Reviewed by David on January 19, 2001
Genre: Nonfiction
Synopsis: While presumably having the same ancestors, human civilizations have suffered drastically different fates when they encountered each other. While some posessed overwhelming advantages in weapons, wealth and power, others ended up destitute, weak or extinct. While the immediate causes—such as guns and writing—are apparent, this book tries to find the underlying causes of inequality, and the real reasons why, for instance, the Europeans ended up with such devastating superiority that 168 Spanish soldiers defeated an 80-thousand-strong Inca army.
Full Review: The author, a Professor of Physiology, brings his multi-disciplinary experience to the question that seems simple: why do some peoples are rich, and others poor? To answer it, he offers his theory of the development of civilizations over the last thirteen thousand years, and outlines the physical factors that inevitably brought some societies power, and others poverty and extinction. From infectious deceases, to the variety of plants and animals, the author makes a convincing argument for the preponderance of geographic and biological factors in deciding the fates of human society.
The style of this book is fluent and entertaining, suffering, however, from periodic repetition of points made just previously in the book. The book is written for non-specialists, but contains enough interesting facts and terminology to convey a sense of intellectual accomplishment to its readers.
In general, this is an interesting, intellectually stimulating book, providing food for thought, as well as for leisurly conversation.
Overall: 6; Style: 5.5; Originality: 6.5;
Copyright date 1997, W. W. Norton & Company, 1999, Trade paperback, 480 pages
ISBN: 0-393-31755-2 Order from: Amazon.com