The Origin of Humankind (Science Masters) - Hardcover

Leakey, Richard E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0297815032 ISBN 13: 9780297815037

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1994

Synopsis

This book provides an account of how the early ape-men of the African Savanna developed into fully human beings. Leakey has always been interested in far more than the mere physical features presented by the fossils, and here he is particularly concerned with non-tangible human attributes. Thus there are chapters on economic co-operation, art, language, and consciousness itself. This is a more technical book than the earlier "Origins" and "Origins Reconsidered", giving the intelligent reader access to the complexities of the subject, but nevertheless very clearly presented.

About this title

Book Description

A meticulously clear account of how early ape-men of the African savanna developed into fully human beings. Abridged edition.

From the Back Cover

The Origin of Humankind is Richard Leakey's final statement on human evolution. Deriving its power from the author's unquestioned authority in the field of paleontology, and enriched by his new interest in wildlife, this book answers the question: What made humans human? Leakey argues that when one of our hominid ancestors acquired the ability to walk upright (called "bipedalism"), the evolution of modern humans became possible, perhaps even inevitable. All other human evolutionary refinements and distinctions can be seen as related to this one dramatic step. In fascinating sections on how and why modern humans developed a social organization, culture, and personal behavior, Leakey enhances our understanding of the nature and evolutionary role of art, language, and human consciousness.

Edition details

• Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0297815032
• ISBN 13: 9780297815037
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128