In Search of the Neanderthals: Solving the Puzzle of Human Origins

Stringer, Christopher;Gamble, Clive

ISBN 10: 0500050708 / ISBN 13: 9780500050705

Published by Thames & Hudson, United Kingdom, 1993

About this Item

Ever since the discovery of the bones of a pre- modern human in the Neander Valley, Germany, in 1856, the Neanderthals have provoked controversy. Who were these folk? How were they related to modern people? What caused their disappearance 35,000 years ago? The author sets out his view in this volume with archaeologist Clive Gamble.

Seller Inventory # 01703**

Bibliographic Details

• Title: In Search of the Neanderthals: Solving the Puzzle of Human Origins
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson, United Kingdom
• Publication Date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0500050708
• ISBN 13: 9780500050705
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

A survey of the current anthropological and archeological knowledge about Neanderthals examines their relationship to modern humans

Reviews

Compared with Erik Trinkhaus and Pat Shipman's The Neandertals ( LJ 12/92), which traces the history of Neanderthal discoveries, this book is more concerned with current interpretations of the fossil record. English anthropologists Stringer and Gamble hope to settle the controversy over the Neanderthals' proper branch on humanity's family tree by taking their case to a general audience. They marshall the evidence in favor of the "Out of Africa 2" scenario, contending that Neanderthal populations in Europe and the Middle East were replaced by a second African migration between 130,000 and 50,000 years ago. Neanderthals, therefore, are not directly ancestral to modern humans. The authors make a strong case for their interpretations, but they offer little more than a caricature of competing theories. Still, this is an important and readable book, with many good illustrations. Recommended for academic and public libraries.
- Eric Hinsdale, Trinity Univ. Lib., San Antonio
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.