Product Description
This book examines an important and growing issue amongecologists, conservation biologists, and archaeologists, namely recentextinction of species, and will focus on treatments of losses thoughtto have been caused by humans in some way over the past 40,000 yearswhen Homo sapiens spread worldwide. There is an exemplary list ofleading figures in this debate, and the book should have impact forthe debate on current conservation issues and biodiversity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Chris OSU
The very much like the book. I thought it was very informative and coming from me (one who does not like to read factual books) that is saying something. I do not think everyone will react the same way to the book as i did. i like it because i am an animal enthusiast and any more information about conservation and extinction habits is music to my eyes (lol) anyway i would recommend this book to all who are interested in animals or want to have an informational book for projects. but many might not like it because it is written as die hard facts, it does not have a plot and would not be interesting to those who do not appreciate animals or science. ManPhee compiles a bunch of informtion based on the editors he gathered it from. it reads sort of like how u would find a history book, with graphs and charts to back up his info all in all it was very informative and i gotlot out of it. ... Read more

Product Description
A fascinating tale of adventure and discovery unfolds with this account of Donald Johanson's famous fossil find--the earliest hominid skeleton. Johanson takes readers to Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania on the dusty archaelogical dig, and to the heart of the controversy surrounding his tremendous find. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent document on paleoanthropology at work
The authors give a detailed view not only of an incredible discovery but also of the way paleoanthropologists work: months of back breaking effort often yielding nothing. The history of the science is explored, controversies and disputes well explained. This book inspired me to explore the topic further ... Read more

Product Description
Human Paleobiology provides a unifying framework for the study of past and present human populations to a range of changing environments. It integrates evidence from studies of human adaptability, comparative primatology, and molecular genetics to document consistent measures of genetic distance among subspecies, species, and other taxonomic groupings. These findings support the interpretation of human biology in terms of fewer number of populations characterized by higher levels of genetic continuity than previously hypothesized. Using this as a basis, Robert Eckhardt goes on to analyze problems in human paleobiology including phenotypic differentiation, patterns of species range expansion, and phyletic succession in terms of the patterns and processes still observable in extant populations. This book will be a challenging and stimulating read for students and researchers interested in human paleobiology or evolutionary anthropology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No Bones About It
Human Paleobiology by Robert Eckhardt addresses the conundrum affecting the study of human evolution: as more data become available, the less clear becomes our understanding of mankind?s past. Dr. Eckhardt skillfully points out that this needn?t be the case if paleobiologists grasp certain fundamental concepts. These include, among others, an understanding of intra-population variability, the impact of small progressive changes on the overall rate of change in a character, and the difference between a population?s phenotypic profile and it?s genotypic structure. Eckhardt meticulously demonstrates how taking these factors into account makes the fossil record less puzzling, particularly as new data are obtained. One cannot help but be impressed by Eckhardt?s breadth and depth of knowledge.

Although disdaining colorful theories, Eckhardt?s writing style is certainly not drab. Drawing on examples from areas as diverse as the stock market to the humor of James Thurber, Human Paleobiology makes for a particularly good read. Which is not to say that it is an easy read. Scientists like myself who are outside the field of evolutionary biology may find the sections on primates as well as the inventory of the fossil record a bit protracted. Additionally, the complexity of the material covered cries out for the inclusion of a glossary.

Some readers may consider Eckhardt too contentious. Personally I enjoyed the author?s pugilistic precision in KO?ing fallacious nostrums. While Eckhardt doesn?t pull any punches his rational and equitable arguments are always blows above the belt. Personally I can?t wait until the nascent fields of genomics and bioinformatics start to generate copious amounts of information, requiring a second edition of Human Paleobiology. When that occurs no doubt Eckhardt will once again come out swinging.

Human Paleobiology is indeed evolutionary (pun intended) in that it represents a progression from prosaic thinking to scientific inquiry in the study of Man?s past. Above all Eckhardt demands that one thinks rather than emotes. ... Read more

Product Description
The Human Fossil Record
Volume one
Terminology and Craniodental Morphology of Genus Homo (Europe)
Jeffrey H. Schwartz
Ian Tattersall

The Human Fossil Record series is the most authoritative and comprehensive documentation of the fossil evidence relevant to the study of our evolutionary past. This first volume covers the craniodental remains from Europe that have been attributed to the genus Homo. Here the authors also clearly define the terminology and descriptive protocol that is applied uniformly throughout the series. Organized alphabetically by site name, each entry includes clear descriptions and original, expertly taken photographs, as well as:

• Morphology
• Location information
• History of discovery
• Previous systematic assessments of the fossils
• Geological, archaeological, and faunal contexts
• Dating
• References to the primary literature

The Human Fossil Record series is truly a must-have reference for anyone seriously interested in the study of human evolution. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Handy Reference Work
"...a handsomely produced volume which will make a handy reference work for paleoanthropologists studying fossil cranial morphology." (American Journal of Human Biology, Vol. 15, No. 5, September/October 2003)

Excellent Resource
I was attracted to the clear photographs and the concise information in this book.This is an excellent reference with a collection of the major finds in Europe.As a student I would read about a find in an article.With this book I was able to quickly look the fossils up.This book allows the reader to either become familiar with certain remains or gain specific information about bone dimensions.Either way, this book will prove to be an important part of any physical anthropologist's library for years to come.It is certainly worth the investment.

BRILLIANT STUDY
An incredible and essential source for all scholars in this field as well as interested lay people.
Presented beautifully.
Shelf life is forever. ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides a complete, unbiased, relatively non-technical overview and state-of-the-art discussion of the rapidly changing field of paleoanthropology. It features an abundance of illustrations and photographs from the authors' visits to fossil sites, and views skeletal remains in light of what they can reveal about the populations they represent -- not only their anatomy but also their behavior and social organization.Features rather extensive discussions on the use of genetic data -- particularly that of mtDNA. Covers: Fossils, Fossilization, and Dating Methods; Determining Evolutionary Relationships; Our Place in the Animal Kingdom; Reconstructing Human Behavioral Patterns and Social Organizations: Use of the Comparative Approach; Early Primate Evolution; The Transition to Apes; Trends in Human Evolution; The Earliest Hominids; The Hominid Divergence; Homo Erectus; Early Homo Sapiens; Neandertals and Their Immediate Predecessors; and The Appearance of Homo sapiens sapiens.For anyone interested in a state-of-the-art discussion of paleoanthropology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

good book
I have this book and another one for a class. This book is easy to follow.

Complete, comprehensive and compelling
Poirier and McKee present a wealth of information on the history of human evolution.They outline the methods of dating, identifying and assembling hominid fossils.Dating is shown to be, within the ranges of accuracy, nearly an absolute with today's technology.With the age of the fossil[s] established and the parts identified, the fossil may then be placed in its proper location on the human family tree.Poirier and McKee spend the remainder of the book describing the concepts, controversies and resolutions associated with that final step.The material requires attentive perusal, but the interested reader will be richly rewarded.

Early hominid fossils were chronologically located by stratigraphy - the position of the fossil in the rocks in relation to other, known, remnants.The early finds were often located in poorly identified areas, or mistakenly dated for a variety of reasons.Paleoanthropologists of an earlier day lacked the technology available today.Worse, they were often unaware of the need to examine the likely environment of the time the fossil was laid down.As the authors point out, this misunderstanding led to misinterpretation of how evolutionary relationships were structured.Today's "digs" are the subject of multi-discipline effort, with botanists, geologists and other fields represented.The more comprehensive picture laid out by these environment associated with the find allow a firmer footing on our ancestral lineage.

While that assertion sounds promising and our heritage is now viewed with confidence, nothing could be further from the truth.Where the human evolutionary tree once looked rather simple, with but a few offshoots extending from the central trunk, the improved accuracy of dating shows many branches.How many of these truly belong on the main branch and how many led to the dead end of extinction is what gives this book its real value.

Paleoanthropology has been among the liveliest of sciences.The debates and controversies have left academic halls and achieved public exposure.Poirier and McKee present the contentions of most of the major figures in the field with circumspection and clarity.With each new find, various interpretations arose, researchers attacking and defending positions from various foundations.The authors give each assertion its due, with resolution occasionally based on their own assessment.They have no hesitation in stating their own position, but it's given with justifications.Counter arguments are made with confirming data.Evidence is shown, but not nearly as strongly as the need for new results.This book, in many respects, reads like an academic work, but that in no small part is due to the authors'
call for more work in the field.

It would be unfair to say that every hominid fossil is given the authors' personal scrutiny, but the impression is proximate.Nearly every major site, with many of the associated prime fossils are described, sometimes with maps and photographs.The illustrative material, maps, diagrams and photographs are invaluable.About the only missing element is a single skeleton and skull with the bones frequently discussed in the book labeled.While many are, they must be examined out of context in many cases.If you have the anatomy, you won't need the information, but the rest of us require the crutch.

For anyone wishing to keep abreast of the research in determining where humanity comes from, this book is a treasure.Given the amount of information the authors had to cope with, the work is clear, unequivocal and immensely valuable.While not a light read, there's little to obstruct even the novice reader.The material is well organized and presented with a clear, straightforward style.Since the authors' aim is to explain [and recruit!] without perplexing the reader or seeking adherence to positions, they have produced a book that will endure. ... Read more

Product Description
When, why, and how early humans began to eat meat are three of the most fundamental unresolved questions in the study of human origins. Before 2.5 million years ago the presence and importance of meat in the hominid diet is unknown. After stone tools appear in the fossil record it seems clear that meat was eaten in increasing quantities, but whether it was obtained through hunting or scavenging remains a topic of intense debate. This book takes a novel and strongly interdisciplinary approach to the role of meat in the early hominid diet, inviting well-known researchers who study the human fossil record, modern hunter-gatherers, and nonhuman primates to contribute chapters to a volume that integrates these three perspectives. Stanford's research has been on the ecology of hunting by wild chimpanzees. Bunn is an archaeologist who has worked on both the fossil record and modern foraging people. This will be a reconsideration of the role of hunting, scavenging, and the uses of meat in light of recent data and modern evolutionary theory. There is currently no other book, nor has there ever been, that occupies the niche this book will create for itself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"Love said, come taste my meate..."
"Love said, come taste my meate,
So I did sit and eate."John Donne's verse has endeared itself to countless undergraduates, not least through suspicion of a triple-entendre (at the very least).Be that as it may, the book under review is about ordinary eating of ordinary meat, specifically wild mammal meat.It supports the traditional consensus view that humans evolved from a mostly-vegetarian ape-like ancestor with a small brain, with the evolution of sociability, intelligence, and cooperation being due in large part to the exigencies of meat-eating.Meat is good food for the growing brain, among other things, but hunting--in an animal lacking fangs and claws--tends to require a great deal of cooperation.(In fact, even such fanged creatures as lions and wolves depend on exquisite cooperation within complex social systems.)Humans evolved in Africa, which seems less well endowed with easily exploited vegetable foods than some other continents, forcing more dependence on hunting and scavenging.The present book summarizes the enormous recent advances in our understanding of human evolution.A combination of archaeology, nutrition studies, and comparative studies of other primates have provided new proofs for the old model.It looks as if humans progressed (if that is the word) from near-vegetarians two million years ago to people who, at the dawn of agriculture 10,000 or 12,000 years ago, were eating anywhere from 10% to nearly 100% animal foods--average perhaps 20%.Neither the view of humans as natural vegetarians nor the view of humans as savage "killer apes" can be supported.
The book suffers from two flaws: first, over-reliance on a very few contemporary hunter-gatherer groups--especially the Hadza, who hunt with bows and metal-tipped poisoned arrows.These are a far cry from the crude stone tools of early hominids.Second, the authors seem a bit unclear on whether human advance was due more to meat as a food, or hunting as an activity, or omnivorous foraging (with hunting as only one part).I vote for the last alternative.We have evidence enough to make it reasonably clear that human skills in finding and processing vegetable food went right along with improvements in hunting.By widening their ethnographic net, the authors would have had to deal with hunter-gatherers who relied overwhelmingly on vegetable foods, often cooperatively produced, harvested, and/or processed.The Australian aboriginals and the Native Americans of what is now the western US come to mind.
The serious student of human foodways should definitely read this book!And the less serious meat-lover can revel in shoving it under the noses of those vegetarians who insist that theirs is the "natural" way. ... Read more

Product Description
An insightful new work, Function, Phylogeny, and Fossilsintegrates two practices in paleobiology which are often separated-- functional and phylogenetic analysis. The book summarizes theevidence on paleoenvironments at the most important Miocene hominoidsites and relates it to the pertinent fossil record. The contributorspresent the most up-to-date statements on the functional anatomy andlikely behavior of the best known hominoids of this crucial period ofape and human evolution. A key feature is a comprehensive tablelisting 240 characteristics among 13 genera of living and extincthominoids. ... Read more

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Bringing an ecological and biogeographic perspective to recent fossil finds, this book provides a new synthesis of ideas on hominid evolution and will be a valuable resource for a variety of researchers. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A summarisation ofthe topical paleoanthropological finds.
Since its first appearence in 1965,"Guide to Fossil Man" was considerably updated trough subsequent editions,so it is quite usable today as handy refference to main paleoanthropological finds,before more advancedatlases,encyclopedias,and other literature dealing with Human evolutionaryanatomy,replace it for upper division courses.It containts selectedosteological finds,presented in the form of files containing history offinding the specimen,faunal and sedimental contexts,estimated chronologicalframework,as well as detailed discussion on fossilfind-descriptive,comparative,with some anthropometric data plusillustrative material.But there are also separate discusions on particularissues,with exposure of various hypothesis,and with particular refferenceto Neanderthal enigma Per Se,as well as their relation with origin ofmodern Humans.After every file,Author provided solid bibliography.This bookis best scrutinisation of key finds,suitable for begginers inpaleonthropology and archaeologist whose focus of interest is Peopling ofPaleolithic. ... Read more

Product Description
The second volume in a series dedicated to fossil discoveries made in the Afar region of Ethiopia, this work contains the definitive description of the geological context and paleoenvironment of the early hominid Ardipithecus kadabba. This research by an international team describes Middle Awash late Miocene faunal assemblages recovered from sediments firmly dated to between 5.2 and 5.8 million years ago. Compared to other assemblages of similar age, the Middle Awash record is unparalleled in taxonomic diversity, composed of 2,760 specimens representing at least sixty five mammalian genera. This comprehensive evaluation of the vertebrates from the end of the Miocene in Africa provides detailed morphological and taxonomic descriptions of dozens of taxa, including species new to science. It also incorporates results from analyses of paleoenvironment, paleobiogeography, biochronology, and faunal turnover around the Pliocene-Miocene boundary, opening a new window on the evolution of mammals, African fauna, and its environments. ... Read more

Product Description
It is hard to imagine the study of human origins without the Leakey family. Three generations of Leakeys have scratched in the baked, unfriendly soil of East Africa to unearth fossil evidence of the earliest humans and their ancient ancestors. In the process they have practically defined the field of paleoanthropology, while eliciting admiration as well as controversies and criticism. In this engrossing biography, prolific writer and educator Mary Bowman-Kruhm tells the story of three generations of Leakeys. Beginning with patriarch Louis Leakey, a native of Kenya, she describes how he turned his boyhood love of exploring the Kenyan countryside into a scientific profession that eventually garnered international recognition. As the author shows, Leakey struggled in the early years, often barely able to make a living. The end of World War II, a trip to Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria, and an injection of money from a benefactor led to the discovery of Proconsul africanus, a 18-million-year-old skull that was a precursor to both later evolving apes and humans. Then Leakey and his wife, Mary, discovered fragments of what came to be known as Parantbropus boisei, which lived about 1.7 5 million years ago. These findings brought the Leakeys great attention and important funding from the National Geographic Society. Bowman-Kruhm intersperses her discussion of the Leakeys' important scientific contributions with interesting asides about their personal life: from the trying 1950s when the Mau Mau revolt in Kenya threatened all of their lives; through Louis' interest in young proteges, including Jane Goodall and Diane Fossey; to the rocky relationship between the Leakeys and Donald Johanson, the discoverer of 'Lucy'. By the time of Louis's death in 1972, Mary and their son Richard were making dramatic finds on their own. When Richard discovered a rich cache of fossils in northern Kenya, he soon attained a level of acclaim to rival his father and mother's. Eventually, he turned his attention to fighting for the cause of wildlife conservation, a passion that he continues to the present. Today, the paleontology work of the Leakey family continues, carried on mainly by Meave, Richard's wife, and their daughter, Louise, at Koobi Fora in northern Kenya. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Leakeys
The Leakeys' achievements have been immense in demolishing the prevailing wisdom in the first half of last century that mankind originated in Europe and Asia.The family's relentless search for the evidence that East Africa was the cradle comes through in their characters: single minded, courageous, and possessing supreme self-belief. This led to breakups with the scientific community and each other. That they had to work in the harsh and often primitive conditions of an Africa, throwing off the reins of British rule, makes their achievements that much more impressive.

Mary Bowman-Kruhm almost but not quite pulls these strands together. Her biography of the three generations can't decide if it's also an academic analysis, a primer for high school, a casual reference book, or an introduction to African politics.

Just as one theme is developed, it either does not go far enough or goes on too long. The book lists the personal timeline of the family dynasty but cries out also for a family tree of the fossils, showing where they belong and how far back they date.

Bowman-Kruhm does give a very good impartial and objective account of the controversy over who discovered "Lucy," and the book is worth reading for that.


Reviewed by Martin Rushmere

For readers with an interest in the anthropological inquiries into the origins of homo sapiens on the continent of Africa
The Leakey family has had a singular and distinctive influence in anthropology unlike any other. From Louis and Mary Leakey's discoveries in the Olduvai Gorge over some 24 years of exploration and excavation (the culmination of which was the 1.8-million-year-old skull of an anthropoid ancestor of the human race), to their son Richard and his wife Meave's discoveries in the Rift Valley, to their granddaughter's explorations in northern Kenya, the collective contributions of the Leaky family have contributed more than anyone else to our understanding of human evolution. Now Mary Bowman-Kruhm has written a superb biography of this remarkable family in "The Leakeys", a 183-page survey of their private lives and professional accomplishments. Informed and informative, this deftly written family biography is especially appropriate for and recommended to school and community library Biography reference collections in general, and the supplemental reading lists for non-specialist general readers with an interest in the anthropological inquiries into the origins of homo sapiens on the continent of Africa.
... Read more

Product Description

This volume presents the cutting-edge research of leading scientists, re-examining the major debates in Neanderthal research with the use of innovative methods and exciting new theoretical approaches. Coverage includes the re-evaluation of Neanderthal anatomy, inferred adaptations and habitual activities, developmental patterns, phylogenetic relationships, and the Neanderthal extinction; new methods include computer tomography, 3D geometric morphometrics, ancient DNA and bioenergetics. The book offers fresh insight into both Neanderthals and modern humans.

Product Description
This volume, the fifth in the important Koobi Fora series on human origins, reports archaeological finds from excavations at East Turkana in northern Kenya from 1969-1979. It concentrates on the evidence from the period between 1.9 and 0.7 million years ago for reconstructing the behavior of early human ancestors. During this research study, new interdisciplinary methods of survey, mapping, excavation, experimentation, and analysis were developed. The study investigated the geology, stratigraphy, site formation processes, technology of the stone assemblages, and associated fauna of the region. This book is a unique record for this time period in Kenya, and this work is a benchmark in the field of human evolution. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (17)

Great introduction to PTdC and Peking man
I'm not a priest, palentologist, or scientist but I still loved this book. Makes me want to read more about both men (Pierre and the Peking man).

A Life Behind the Scenes of Evolution
A remarkable man living a remarkable story, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin lived the development of our understanding of human evolution and its conflict with religious belief. These tensions were mirrored in the tension between the two cultures in which he lived. Aczel brings this story to a special life of its own. With the fluency of a skilled novelist, Aczel makes you feel that you know Teilhard de Chardin.Denial of Sunlight

Beginning is riveting, then loses steam
From its description, this book appeared to have a lot of elements in which I am interested, and the beginning of the book was absolutely riveting. Unfortunately, as I continued reading, the message and story got a bit repetitive and dull.

Set in the early- to mid- 1900's, the book follows the life of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit priest and paleontologist who was part of the research team that discovered the famous "Peking Man". While the mechanics of the story regarding the search for fossils was of some interest, the inner struggle of Teilhard to reconcile evolution with the teachings of the Catholic Church at the time was riveting, at least in the beginning portion of the book.

Unfortunately, at about 50% of the way through the book, the drama just got repetitive. And I can't help but wonder how much of the trouble he had with the Church was related to his concept of the `noosphere' and how much was actually due to his stance on evolution. All in all, it's worth a read if you are interested in the material, but the book loses steam about half way through.

Riveting at the beginning, then lost steam.
From its description, this book appeared to have a lot of elements in which I am interested, and the beginning of the book was absolutely riveting. Unfortunately, as I continued reading, the message and story got a bit repetitive and dull.

Set in the early- to mid- 1900's, the book follows the life of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit priest and paleontologist who was part of the research team that discovered the famous "Peking Man". While the mechanics of the story regarding the search for fossils was of some interest, the inner struggle of Teilhard to reconcile evolution with the teachings of the Catholic Church at the time was riveting, at least in the beginning portion of the book.

Unfortunately, at about 50% of the way through the book, the drama just got repetitive. And I can't help but wonder how much of the trouble he had with the Church was related to his concept of the `noosphere' and how much was actually due to his stance on evolution.All in all, it's worth a read if you are interested in the material, but the book loses steam about half way through.

Basic premise of this book: "Teilhard - GOOD; Catholic Church - BAD."
The basic premise of this book can be summed up as follows: "Teilhard - GOOD; Catholic Church - BAD."For those with a true interest in the Church's difficulties with Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J.'s positions, Section #36 of 1950's "Humani Generis" seems particularly appropos (Teilhard lived till 1955.)....

"36. For these reasons the Teaching Authority of the Church does not forbid that, in conformity with the present state of human sciences and sacred theology, research and discussions, on the part of men experienced in both fields, take place with regard to the doctrine of evolution, in as far as it inquires into the origin of the human body as coming from pre-existent and living matter - for the Catholic faith obliges us to hold that souls are immediately created by God. However, this must be done in such a way that the reasons for both opinions, that is, those favorable and those unfavorable to evolution, be weighed and judged with the necessary seriousness, moderation and measure, and provided that all are prepared to submit to the judgment of the Church, to whom Christ has given the mission of interpreting authentically the Sacred Scriptures and of defending the dogmas of faith.[11] Some however, rashly transgress this liberty of discussion, when they act as if the origin of the human body from pre-existing and living matter were already completely certain and proved by the facts which have been discovered up to now and by reasoning on those facts, and as if there were nothing in the sources of divine revelation which demands the greatest moderation and caution in this question."


Forty-seven years ago, the Vatican issued a "monitum", with specific reference to Father Teilhard de Chardin:
* "Several works of Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, some of which were posthumously published, are being edited and are gaining a good deal of success.
* "Prescinding from a judgement about those points that concern the positive sciences, it is sufficiently clear that the above-mentioned works abound in such ambiguities and indeed even serious errors, as to offend Catholic doctrine.
* "For this reason, the most eminent and most revered Fathers of the Holy Office exhort all Ordinaries as well as the superiors of Religious institutes, rectors of seminaries and presidents of universities, effectively to protect the minds, particularly of the youth, against the dangers presented by the works of Fr. Teilhard de Chardin and of his followers."
In 1981, the Vatican confirmed that the 1962 monitum still applied.


As per a July 28th contention by John Allen of the National Catholic Reporter, a July 24th homily by the Holy Father "hinted at a possible new look at the undeclared patron saint of Catholic ecology, the late French Jesuit scientist and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin."While that contention appears to be an enormous stretch, Allen (to his credit) acknowledges that the Holy Father's brief reference to Father Teilhard de Chardin was "offered only in passing, and doubtless subject to overinterpretation."Far more pertinent to his homily was the Holy Father's reference to "Caritas in Veritate." ... Read more

Product Description
Described as "by far the best book of its kind" (Henry McHenry, Evolution) and "the best introduction to the problems and data of modern palaeoanthropology yet published" (R. A. Foley, Antiquity), The Human Career has proved to be an indispensable tool in teaching human origins since its publication in 1989. This substantially revised edition retains Richard Klein's innovative approach and incorporates new findings from the past decade.

The Human Career chronicles the evolution of people from the earliest primates through the emergence of fully modern humans within the past 200,000 years. Its comprehensive treatment stresses recent advances in knowledge, including, for example, ever more abundant evidence that fully modern humans originated in Africa and spread from there, replacing the Neanderthals in Europe and equally archaic people in Asia. With its coverage of both the fossil record and the archeological record over the 2.5 million years for which both are available, Klein emphasizes that human morphology and behavior evolved together. Throughout the text, Klein presents evidence for alternative points of view, but also does not hesitate to take a position.

In addition to outlining the broad pattern of human evolution, The Human Career details the kinds of data that support this pattern, including information on archeological sites, artifacts, fossils, and methods for establishing dates in geological time. With abundant references and hundreds of illustrations, charts, and diagrams, this new edition is unparalleled in its usefulness for teaching human evolution. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Leading Paleoanthropologist
This is Klein's major work.Very comprehensive.He is a leading figure in paleoanthropology.But as new discoveries come in and new papers are published, revised editions of this book are necessary.For readers who have some idea of the subject only.

Klein and his school of thought are weakest on the period after c 40,000. They believe Neanderthals were exterminated.Accumulating evidence suggests that what he (and others) call "early moderns" in Europe all had manifest reduced Neanderthal traits.The Cro-Magnons have become an embarrassment to his otherwise erudite run through the evolutionary evidence.They were re-analysed as Neanderthaloid and redated as latecomers to Europe.

His writing on Neanderthals fails to fully credit them and the pre-Neanderthals, along with their diversity, for their many accomplishments, some of which continue down to modern times.This is essential reading for the serious student of paleoanthropology but not for the origin of modern Europeans.

Al Sundel

The Human Career. 3rd. edition
What's the matter with Amazon? I click on 'Look inside the cover' of the 3rd. edition - and it brings up the 2nd. edition.
And we think Star Wars technology is going to protect us.
This is a major new publication in the field of biological anthropology. Come on Amazon, give us the contents of the latest edition, not a ten-year old edition. Pull your socks up, take your fingers out, get on the road, try to run a decent railway.

Before History Began
For the six million years before early humans evolved in a different direction from their chimpanzee cousins, there were no writings to consult about our (assuming the readers are human) evolution. This fine book fills this tremendous gap about our ancestors by examining the evidence from skeletal remains that reveal the development of human brain size, eating habits, and getting about on two legs. Klein evaluates this evidence fairly from the viewpoint of different scholars who attempt to relate this evidence to the development of human culture. The massive list of references at the back of the book cites over 2,400 books and journal articles, accompanied by a index of the pages where each reference is used in the text.If you want to knowabout human ancestors, andyou are not too overwhelmed by details clearly and fairly presented, you'll love to wander through this book.

It helps to have some knowledge
about geology, anthropology and paleantology.This book gives minutely detailed information about everything from history to bones.It should really be used as a reference.There is probably no better book on the subject, it was recommended to me by an anthropologist

Excellent and thorough
By far the most complete and up-to-date treatment of hominid evolution I have encountered.Covers every aspect of paleoanthropology, including climatic changes and dating techniques, in great detail and precision, but with language that even a non-scientist such as myself can understand.An outstanding reference book. ... Read more