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A Little History of the Earth
A lively account of the history of our planet, from its earliest origins to the present day, told through the major geological changes and scientific breakthroughs
Where has our planet come from, and what lies beneath its surface? How have we come to understand its past and present environments, and what does its future look like? Thanks to scientists who study its rocks, fossils, and landscapes, we know that Earth history spans over four and a half billion years. But there is still much more to discover.
This Little History recounts our planet’s fascinating past and the science which has shaped how we think about it. Taking us from the formation of the Solar System, the evolution of our atmosphere and oceans, and the first signs of life, through to dinosaurs, mammals, and the eventual arrival of humans, Woodward shows us the full span of Earth history, from deep time to the Anthropocene. Along the way, we learn about the major breakthroughs of the pioneering scientists who have unearthed our planet’s secrets.
From fossils of ancient creatures to the very air we breathe, this is the essential guide to our world.
Where has our planet come from, and what lies beneath its surface? How have we come to understand its past and present environments, and what does its future look like? Thanks to scientists who study its rocks, fossils, and landscapes, we know that Earth history spans over four and a half billion years. But there is still much more to discover.
This Little History recounts our planet’s fascinating past and the science which has shaped how we think about it. Taking us from the formation of the Solar System, the evolution of our atmosphere and oceans, and the first signs of life, through to dinosaurs, mammals, and the eventual arrival of humans, Woodward shows us the full span of Earth history, from deep time to the Anthropocene. Along the way, we learn about the major breakthroughs of the pioneering scientists who have unearthed our planet’s secrets.
From fossils of ancient creatures to the very air we breathe, this is the essential guide to our world.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published December 9, 2025
69 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Woodward
9 books3 followersJamie Woodward is Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Manchester.
He is a geomorphologist with particular interests in the nature and impacts of Quaternary environmental change in the Mediterranean region and the Nile basin. A good deal of his work takes place in close collaboration with archaeologists and he is interested in the theoretical and practical interface between geography, geoscience and archaeology.
He has been the Editor of Geoarchaeology: An International Journal since 2007. In 2008 he was awarded a personal chair – the first in Physical Geography at The University of Manchester. With other colleagues in Geography he set up the Quaternary Environments and Geoarchaeology Research Group in late 2004.
He is a geomorphologist with particular interests in the nature and impacts of Quaternary environmental change in the Mediterranean region and the Nile basin. A good deal of his work takes place in close collaboration with archaeologists and he is interested in the theoretical and practical interface between geography, geoscience and archaeology.
He has been the Editor of Geoarchaeology: An International Journal since 2007. In 2008 he was awarded a personal chair – the first in Physical Geography at The University of Manchester. With other colleagues in Geography he set up the Quaternary Environments and Geoarchaeology Research Group in late 2004.
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