The Origin of Humankind (1994)

A very readable basic introduction to the key issues and debates in this field, and pointers to more detailed reading. The author has his own opinions, but sets out the terms of the debate in a fair way. The only specific point I would question is the use of the term "human" to describe all bipedal homin(o)ids, even those living before any use of stone technology or language. The book could also usefully have had some more illustrations, especially in the chapter on art. ( )

A bargain buy in a charity shop - the only thing that stops me giving it 5 stars is the fact that I believe it may be a little dated (simply by advances in the field in the last 15 years).
The author is a great writer, and the name-dropping on the first few pages is quickly forgotten; he deserves to drop some names.
This is an account of some of the key developments in human history, from learning to walk upright to developing language and art. At each stage he reviews the debates in the field (which are many) and usually advances his own view and his reservations. I wish all top scientists and researchers could present their field like this.
However the discussion of timelines for (e.g. language development) may have been superseded by subsequent discoveries - while I believe this to be the case, this is not in any way my field so I do not know. If there is an updated version of this book, read it; if there isn't, there should be! ( )