This is a synthesis of genetics, archaeology and climatology that looks at how and where our ultimate ancestors could have lived. Stephen Oppenheimer presents a plausible theory about the earliest days of man. It is categorised as popular science but it is not always an easy read and, for me, some of the chapters dragged. Worth reading but I do not think it should be read without some knowledge of the topic. ( )

Genetic markers allow the family trees of human groups to be constructed going back a hundred thousand years or more. The distribution of these markers across the continents allow the movements of human groups to be tracked over this time. This is fascinating and important stuff. But prepared to concentrate: this is not an easy read. ( )