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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Book contains pen & pencil markings. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1100grams, ISBN: 9780224038096.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Book contains pencil markings. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1000grams, ISBN: 9780393061314.
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Seller's Description:
This copy has clearly been enjoyed-expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.
An insightful, well-written, and logical explanation of the reasons for the global political, economic, and ethnic order that exists today. It is easy to understand how a people that settled in the 'fertile cresent', with its climate and abundant natural resources in domesticable plants and animals, would be one that flourished along that particular lattitude. Increased population density in a rich environment was bound to give an advantage to such a civilization.
Unlector
Jun 30, 2013
The Emperor's New Clothes
This book has been praised by many (including Bill Gates!), received several awards, and was serialized in PBS. I may play here the role of the simpleton who screamed that the Emperor had no clothes on his august person. So be it!
As I see it, the author has used some 500 pages to present his thesis that the world domination once achieved by the Europeans and their descendants was not the product of superior intelligence, fearless determination, or incredible stoicism in the face of adversity. No. It was derived from the fact that they had more food available to them (even though the Incas were well fed, and there was more starvation in Europe than in the Mexico of the Aztecs). Also, according to the author, the Europeans were resistant to infectious diseases, an affirmation that may astonish anyone with minimal knowledge of medical history.
The author goes far in slighting the achievements of the Europeans. Here is an example, Mr. Diamond contrast the 400 feet-long Chinese vessels of the 1400s against their contemporary, ?puny? (his word) ships of Columbus. It seems not to matter that the portentous Chinese float achieved nothing, while the ?puny? vessels of Columbus changed the history of the world.
The simpleton has spoken.
Thomas Y
Oct 11, 2012
Who you are in so many levels.
An open mind is required to understand why. Ask yourself while reading what could you have done to accomplish as much as those you judge.
TheGrinch
Oct 27, 2011
Details, details, details
Jared Diamond takes you through every conceivable nook and cranny of man's so-called evolution. Far from taking the stance that humans of European decent are smarter or "more advanced" because they're just biologically better than everyone else, he shows us just how we earthlings have advanced because of our surroundings... not because of what's inside our craniums. I cannot recommend it enough. Next on my list is his book 'Collapse'.
starla s
Jul 15, 2010
Pleasure read...............
Guns, Germs and Steel was recommended to Shawnee State University, by Prof. Mark Mirabello, for inclusion in its Foundations of Social Sciences course - SOSC1110-01. Some college text books can be dry, but this book was fascinating. It provided a look at the world's history through new and focused eyes. Revealing answers to questions long since ask and forgotten. Answers as to why and how racism started in the first place, why some people are bless, while others seem forgotten and why the world's countries are unequal in wealth.
