Understanding Human Evolution (Understanding Life)

Covers a complex area in a thoughtful and informative way. Plenty of detail which focuses on the excitement of the subject.

Full of up to date information, but perhaps too much for a book of this size.

Really well written and organized. Explain some concepts very well that I've read other books that didn't do as good a job

Concise, very up-to-date information in a readable easy-to-understand format. Highly recommended.

Nice book for an introduction into the topic. If you have already read lot or more in depth books, it will appear some topics cover the surface. But, a readable book and great for somebody wanting the basics.

I really enjoyed reading Understanding Human Evolution and learned a lot from it. I especially appreciated the information about finds of the last 10 to 15 year, recent DNA studies, and the relationships between Homo Sapiens Neanderthals and Denisovans. I love Dr. Tattersall’s entertaining style and the way he emphasized the plethora of historical cousins and the reluctance of many professionals to go beyond Australopiths and Homo. His interpretation of the emergence of Homo Sapiens and the emphasis on symbolic thought was fascinating. And the epilogue "Summary of Common Misunderstandings” was great!

It would be easy to write a relatively dull book about human evolution. This book is simply fascinating. The author readily admits where the fossil record is lacking and acknowledges the questions that yet to have good answers. His coverage of the history of paleontology is excellent and provides the reader with insights into both the various personalities involved as well as the sources for current controversy in the field. His coverage of the Neanderthals, their fall, and the concurrent rise of Homo Sapiens is top notch. His included commentary about who “we” are in the truly grand scale of things provides food for deep thought. I’d enthusiastically recommend this book for anyone with even a passing interest in the subject matter.