"Enthralling....If so compact a book can be magisterial, [this] is it.―Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World... "A smart, literate survey of human life from paleolithic times until 9/11."―Edward Rothstein, The New York Times

Why has human history been crowded into the last few thousand years? Why has it happened at all? Could it have happened in a radically different way? What should we make of the disproportionate role of the West in shaping the world we currently live in? This witty, intelligent hopscotch through human history addresses these questions and more. Michael Cook sifts the human career on earth for the most telling nuggets and then uses them to elucidate the whole. From the calendars of Mesoamerica and the temple courtesans of medieval India to the intricacies of marriage among an aboriginal Australian tribe, Cook explains the sometimes eccentric variety in human cultural expression. He guides us from the prehistoric origins of human history across the globe through the increasing unification of the world, first by Muslims and then by European Christians in the modern period, illuminating the contingencies that have governed broad historical change. "A smart, literate survey of human life from paleolithic times until 9/11."―Edward Rothstein, The New York Times 11 maps, 28 illustrations

About the Author

Michael Cook, a specialist in Islamic history, is Cleveland E. Dodge Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

New Legacy Books, LLC
59 Asbury Road, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Shipping Terms

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	3 to 6 business days	3 to 5 business days
First item	US$ 2.49	US$ 19.98

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.