The First Human
The First Human: The Race to Discover Our Earliest Ancestors
Author: Ann Gibbons
Amazon Info
Two lucky books in a row - this time a real winner on our earliest ancestors. Ann Gibbons takes us through the key discoveries and the key personalities in this highly competitive field. I have read a number of books on the subject and this is probably my favorite - including discoveries into 2005.
For the first time I had a clear understanding of the key species involved in the evolution of homo sapiens - although no one really knows which species lead to which. (Of course, my understanding is likely to fade). So I must credit the book with approaching the subject in a clear and easy to understand fashion - but providing enough depth and details to provide full understanding (for a layperson).
My biggest complaint is that I read this on the Sony eBook and the initial maps and charts were not readable at all - needed a much higher zoom (even the kids could barely make out the words). As for criticisms of the book itself - personally I was much more interested in the science than in the internecine squabbles - but perhaps for others those "personal" details make the book worth reading. I would probably be happy with a big chart :) - on the other hand, I have seen those charts and the info didn't quite stick, so maybe the story approach does work best :).
Recommended: To all - but buy the printed version.