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The Origin of Humankind

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The Origin of Humankind

By: Richard Leakey
Narrated by: John Curless
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About this listen

"The name Leakey is synonymous with the study of human origins", wrote The New York Times. The renowned family of paleontologists - Louis Leakey, Mary Leakey, and their son Richard Leakey - has vastly expanded our understanding of human evolution.

The Origin of Humankind is Richard Leakey's personal view of the development of Homo sapiens. At the heart of his new picture of evolution is the introduction of a heretical notion: Once the first apes walked upright, the evolution of modern humans became possible and perhaps inevitable. From this one evolutionary step comes all the other evolutionary refinements and distinctions that set the human race apart from the apes.

In fascinating sections on how and why modern humans developed a social organization, culture, and personal behavior, Leakey has much of interest to say about the development of art, language, and human consciousness.

©1994 Sherma, B.V. (P)2018 Recorded Books Anthropology Biological Sciences Biology Evolution Evolution & Genetics Science Paleontology Genetics

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Yes, the book is somewhat outdated, but it still the best we have (to my knowledge). Being from 90s is also a plus: it is fantastic to realise just how recently the Out of Africa -theory became mainstream. Leaky’s humble guesses around the intermixing of Sapiens w Neanderthals are also eerily correct, in the light of aDNA evidence.

Overall, this is a great book which explores all the major questions in the field. It is easy to follow, despite heavy inclusion of the names of fellow academics. The narrator is excellent, too, though I preferred his voice at x1.1.

Still the best book on human origins. Excellent narration.

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I tend to keep up to date regarding human evolution and I feared the many discoveries found in the last 30 years would render this book out of date. It really doesn't. Leakey's work is as relevant today as it was almost 30 years ago when first published.

I'd consider the book to be accessible for all readers. Jargon is limited and the writing style is always interesting.

I look forward to locating a hard copy to read and enjoy a place on my shelf.

Wonderful book

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