About this book
Jared Diamond sets out to answer a large question: why did societies from Eurasia come to dominate so much of the world, rather than the other way round? His answer looks far back, to the end of the last Ice Age, and to the differences in environment that shaped how people lived.
Diamond argues that the availability of plants and animals suitable for domestication, the shape and orientation of continents, and the spread of infectious diseases gave some regions long-term advantages. He draws on archaeology, biology, geography and linguistics, and he illustrates his case with vivid examples from every inhabited continent, including the Spanish conquest of the Inca.
The book stands out for its ambition and its readable style. Its arguments have been widely debated and criticised by historians and anthropologists, which makes it a great starting point for thinking about big questions rather than a final word. For the story of the Americas before contact, try 1491.
Who it’s for
Best for curious readers who enjoy ideas and grand theories; long and sometimes repetitive, but clearly explained without jargon.
Editions vary by publisher and format. Check the retailer’s listing for the edition, translation and format before you buy.