World Prehistory: A Brief Introduction

by Brian M. Fagan, Nadia Durrani

This is an introduction to human prehistory written for complete beginners with a global perspective. It is written in a jargon-free style that covers 6 million years of the remote past from human origins to the first pre-industrial civilizations, balancing theoretical discussion with descriptions and analysis of major sites and cultural developments. World Prehistory provides a unique and balanced narrative of what happened in the prehistoric past and why. The book is well worth acquiring, as it provides essential historical background to a wide variety of subjects, from written history and environmental studies to climate change. Chronological tables, numerous illustrations, guides to further reading, and stand-alone boxes on some archaeological methods, key sites, and some people of the past amplify much of the basic narrative. This global prehistory is aimed at people with no background in archaeology, undergraduates at all levels, and participants in graduate seminars on a wide range of subjects. Numerous people with a general interest in archaeology and multidisciplinary history have acquired and enjoyed this book.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Anthropology, Ancient History

500 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Brian Murray Fagan was a British author of popular archaeology books and a professor emeritus of Anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A college textbook. I am teaching the Stone Age and early civilizations, and this was a good primer for me. Not for the feint of heart.

[Blessy Abraham · Rating 3 out of 5]

An nice introductory text to world prehistory. I think it is something that can be useful as an introductory text to those unfamiliar with prehistoric cultures of America, Asia, Europe and Africa. However, the book does not strictly cover prehistory but also spends a good time discussing various protohistoric and preindustrial civilizations. Therefore, the title is a bit misleading in that sense. Nonetheless, a useful book for beginners or history enthusiasts.

[arthur plazibat · Rating 2 out of 5]

It feels like it was written in a very generic way. The topics are addressed only superficially. There is no depth to the information, nor is there any appeal in the way it is presented. Wikipedia is a better option compared to this book. I had a hard time finishing it.

[Salam Taha · Rating 4 out of 5]

a simply presented book, with wide angle view, a bit of something into everything, good feed for the generic public and / or college students

[Rachel Welton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for references. Boring to listen to.

[Trunatrschild · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ordinary textbook, not very thorough, I wouldn't buy it for general information, it's too general.

[Regina Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book, a bit outdated.

[Abdul Rehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

World Prehistory: A Brief Introduction (8th Edition)