In this “artful, informative, and delightful” (William H. McNeill, New York Review of Books) book, Jared Diamond convincingly argues that geographical and environmental factors shaped the modern world. Societies that had had a head start in food production advanced beyond the hunter-gatherer stage, and then developed religion–as well as nasty germs and potent weapons of war–and adventured on … adventured on sea and land to conquer and decimate preliterate cultures. A major advance in our understanding of human societies, Guns, Germs, and Steel chronicles the way that the modern world came to be and stunningly dismantles racially based theories of human history. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science, the Rhone-Poulenc Prize, and the Commonwealth club of California’s Gold Medal.
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A basic book for all who want to know what’s happening on a large scale. An almost instant classic
This book was extremely interesting. A++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Compelling! Everyone should read this book!
Very interesting. A college course in one read.
The author has researched and placed much original thinking into explanations on how civilization developed and why certain segments of the world’s population advanced more rapidly than others.
Fascinating.
This book was extremely informative about letting me know how our world beczme the way that it currently is today.It oppened my eyes to all the selfishness and curruption that exists today, and let me know how this gateway opened in the first place. It was truly inspirational on every level of the spectrum.
To some extent this is the answer to why? for the outcome of many civilizations. Very long and not a particularly easy read but the information imparted makes it worth the effort for those seeking to understand why things turn out the way they do for various cultures.
“Gun, Germs, and Steel” showed me a new way to look at history. It’s on my list to reread.
Informative
The author’s assertions about why certain cultures have been more successful than others are indeed thought-provoking. I may not fully agree with his assertions, but the thought-provoking aspect is valuable, as it inspires readers to come up with their own competing ideas.
A thought provoking book attempting to explain the differential development of different societies throughout history. Numerous surprising and intriguing postulations are offered with compelling arguments tendered to support each. Stimulating and fascinating.
Read this years ago, changed much of my world view. Why did the Europeans become the conquers?
Very interesting, but it tends to read a bit like a text book.
Finally, a book that answered my Big Questions. I loved it.
Wonderful insight into background and reasons for western civilization development
Wonderful information to help understand cultural differences.
Eye opening!
And there is a lesson
It’s good to be the culture
With guns germs and steel
But like everything before
Something new will come along
With a new culture
Or will it be
Food water and air
This book should come with college credit! It is a classic!
Fascinating look at evolution