Gaby Parenteau answers “I'm looking for other books that try to...”

Fons Jena asked this question about Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies:

I'm looking for other books that try to explain the huge diversity within the human civilization and how it evolved into so many different forms of societies and cultures. What are your suggestions? I'm looking for all kind of perspectives (economic, environmental, genetic, political, ...).

Gaby Parenteau I would suggest "the archaeology of politics and power". It explains the birth of states (china, Indus civilisation, egypt etc.) and why they come to …moreI would suggest "the archaeology of politics and power". It explains the birth of states (china, Indus civilisation, egypt etc.) and why they come to be the way they are. The goal of the book is not explaining diversity so you have to evaluate the differences by yourself. The presentation is not as easy as gun germs and steel but it is more scientific, wich is a good thing cause you have the source for everything that is said and can do further research after that. (less)

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Fons Jena Thank you for your suggestion! Since you informed me I've read some reviews about it and it seems to be pretty much what I'm looking for. From what I ...more
May 12, 2015 09:09AM

Gaby Parenteau I know i am answering way too late but i'm gonna do it in case someone else would be interested. I prefered archaeology of politics and power for two ...more
Nov 12, 2015 04:40PM

Fons Jena No problem, it is never too late :-). I just bought Guns, germs and steel because it seemed to be a good starting point (and more accessible). I had t ...more
Nov 22, 2015 01:02AM

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Guns, Germs, and Steel

by Jared Diamond

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