What makes us human, and where did we come from? How did a clever ape climb down from the trees and change the world like no other animal has done before? This large-format, highly illustrated book guides readers through the key aspects of the human story, from the anatomical changes that allowed us to walk upright and increased brain size in our ancestors, to the social, cultural and economic developments of our more recent cousins and our own species. Along the way, focus spreads take a closer look at some of the key species in our history, from the ancient Australopithecus Afarensis, 'Lucy', to our recent cousins the Neanderthals and ourselves, Homo sapiens. Looking beyond the anatomical evolution of humans, this book explores how our culture and way of living has evolved, from how trails of cowry shells reveal early trade between tribes, to how and why humans first domesticated dogs, horses, and farm animals, and began settling in permanent villages and cities. Through digestible information and absorbing illustration, young readers will be given an insight into their own origins, and what it really means to be a human.

Author Biography

Michael Bright is an executive producer with the BBC Natural History Unit, based in Bristol. He has been a producer in many parts of the BBC, including departments responsible for science, arts, general documentaries, current affairs and natural history programmes, both on radio and television, and was a recipient of the prestigious Prix Italia for the programme Men, Nations and Whales: will the bloody story ever end? He is a graduate of the University of London and author of over 60 books on natural history, natural sciences, conservation and the environment, including Andes to Amazon: A Guide to Wild South America.