The Human Past, Fifth Edition
The Human Past, Fifth Edition is a 720-page introduction to world prehistory, covering human history across regions and from early Homo species to agriculture, urban life and social inequality. Its 20 chronological chapters include updated scholarship and contributions from an international team of authors.
At a glance
- 20 chronological chapters focus on individual regions.
- Covers human history from the emergence of early Homo species through migration, domestication, agriculture and urban living.
- The listing describes contributions from 30 authors, including 15 new contributors for this edition.
- New material includes ancient DNA research, Indigenous life in Australia after foreign contact, female toolmakers and hunters in the Americas, and reassessment of evidence in South Africa.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Its regional chapter structure offers a way to compare prehistory across different parts of the world.
- The broad timeline links early human migrations with later changes in settlement, food production and society.
- New contributions and chapter updates bring additional scholarship into this edition.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Edition | Fifth edition |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Thames and Hudson Ltd |
| Publication date | 29 Aug. 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 720 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0500296316 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0500296318 |
| Weight listed | 1.72 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.59 x 3.66 x 27.71 cm |
What to know before buying
- At 720 pages and a listed weight of 1.72 kg, this is a substantial reference book rather than a lightweight read to carry around.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Students seeking a wide-ranging introduction to world prehistory.
- Readers interested in comparing regional histories and archaeological scholarship.
- Course libraries and readers wanting a substantial reference volume.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short overview or a compact, lightweight book.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
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The aggregate ratings are strongly positive, with the supplied distribution showing five- and four-star ratings only. This is a small rating sample and offers no detail about readers’ specific experiences, so it cannot establish which topics, writing choices or features they valued. For buyers, the book’s breadth and substantial length are clear from the listing, but the ratings do not indicate whether its scope or depth suits a particular course.
Frequently asked questions
What does this edition cover?
The listing describes 20 chronological chapters on individual regions, spanning early Homo species, migration, sedentism, domestication, agriculture, population growth, urban life and social systems.
What is new in the fifth edition?
The listing says every chapter has new content and that 15 new contributors join the 30-author team. Topics include recent ancient DNA research and expanded coverage of Indigenous life in Australia, women in early toolmaking and hunting, and evidence in South Africa.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 720 pages. Its listed dimensions are 21.59 x 3.66 x 27.71 cm and its weight is 1.72 kg.
