Seven Million Years: The Story of Human Evolution (Phoenix Press) [Paperback]

Douglas Palmer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0753820846 | ISBN-13: 978-0753820841

How did humans evolve? Why did Homo sapiens survive when others did not? Do Neanderthals deserve their reputation as hairy, unintelligent ape-men? Douglas Palmer, an acclaimed science writer and lecturer, examines one aspect of evolution that has been particularly difficult for some to accept: humanity’s common ancestry with chimpanzees and other apes. Written for the general reader, and including the most up-to-date genetic research, this fascinating study explores the archeological finds and biological research that lead to the discovery of our own species. Palmer’s look at our link to a family tree of over 20 close relatives—many now extinct—provides intriguing insights and will change our perception of what it means to be human.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Comprehensive, up-to-date and exceedingly well-written, the newest from science writer Palmer (The Neanderthal) is a fascinating overview of research into human evolution, covering the entire history of the field and including contemporary studies of primatology, paleoecology and human genetics. With an exemplary knowledge of the rapidly changing field of human evolution and physical anthropology, Palmer details every aspect of the history of primate paleontology and present-day, highly-specialized work in climatology, taphonomy and genomics in language suitable for just about anyone. Palmer compares "mapping out the course of human evolution" to "putting together a very difficult jigsaw puzzle," and his informed guidance takes readers piece-by-piece through the complexities of the research itself, as well as the politics and personalities behind it. Each chapter includes thorough bibliographic citations as well as a well-chosen list of recommended reading. Clear writing, seamless transitions from topic to topic, even-handed presentation of even the most controversial material and clever illustrations all combine to produce a book worthy of recommendation to anyone wishing to understand the broad and continuously changing field of human evolution.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

'Seven Million Years is continuously interesting, written with style, and a pleasure to read.' NEW SCIENTIST 'Insightful... a really good read.' BBC FOCUS --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753820846
• ISBN-13: 978-0753820841
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 5 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,263,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seven Million Years, December 4, 2009

By 

Ann P. Repp (Perry, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Seven Million Years: The Story of Human Evolution (Phoenix Press) (Paperback)

Well, once again I am reading a wonderful book!! SEVEN MILLION YEARS... Its wonderful to drag this book to doctors offices and restaurants where I read it while waiting for why I came to this place... Once in a while some one asks what I'm reading and I show and tell them how wonderful the book really is ... hoping they go buy a copy and enjoy it too....