Sapiens: A Graphic History: The Birth of Humankind (Vol. 1)

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A hardcover edition of the first volume of the graphic adaptation of Yuval Noah Harari's smash #1 New York Times and international bestseller recommended by President Barack Obama and Bill Gates, with gorgeous full-color illustrations and concise, easy to comprehend text for readers of all ages.

One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one—homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us?

In this first volume of the full-color illustrated adaptation of his groundbreaking book, renowned historian Yuval Harari tells the story of humankind’s creation and evolution, exploring the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, this compelling work of human history challenges us to reconsider accepted beliefs, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and view specific events within the context of larger ideas.

Featuring 256 pages of full-color illustrations and easy-to-understand text covering the first part of the full-length original edition, this nonfiction graphic novel adaptation of the mind-expanding book furthers the ongoing conversation as it introduces Harari’s ideas to a wide new readership.

This graphic adaptation brings the epic history of humankind to life, exploring:

• The Dawn of Humankind: Explore a time when at least six different species of humans inhabited the Earth, and investigate the mystery of why only one—homo sapiens—survived.
• The Rise of Empires: Chart the ascent of human civilization, viewing specific historical events within the context of larger, world-changing ideas and connecting past developments with contemporary concerns.
• Stunning Visual Storytelling: Experience Harari’s groundbreaking narrative through gorgeous, full-color illustrations that make complex concepts in anthropology easy to comprehend for readers of all ages.
• Big Questions, Big Ideas: Challenge accepted beliefs about our past and future by examining the ways in which biology and history have defined what it means to be “human.”

“Fascinating.” - Wall Street Journal

“Sapiens tackles the biggest questions of history and of the modern world.” - Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel, Collapse, and The World until Yesterday

“Yuval Noah Harari’s celebrated Sapiens does for human evolution what Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time did for physics. . . . He does a superb job of outlining our slow emergence and eventual domination of the planet.” - Forbes

“Interesting and provocative. . . . It gives you a sense of perspective on how briefly we’ve been on this earth, how short things like agriculture and science have been around, and why it makes sense for us to not take them for granted.” - President Barack Obama

“I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a fun, engaging look at early human history . . . you’ll have a hard time putting it down.” - Bill Gates

"This appealing first volume elucidates often misunderstood basics of human evolution (i.e., that until 50,000 years ago, there used to be at least six species of humans) while also unraveling knotty existential questions about humanity’s role on this planet. Young science enthusiasts and adult philosophers alike will want to pick up this smart, snappy work." - Publishers Weekly

"In a manner that is both playful and provocative, Harari teams with co-creators adept at the graphic format to enliven his academic studies....An informative, breathless sprint through the evolution and consequences of human development." - Kirkus Reviews