Nicholas Wade received a BA in natural sciences from King’s College, Cambridge. He was the deputy editor of Nature magazine in London and then became that journal’s Washington correspondent. He joined Science magazine in Washington as a reporter and later moved to The New York Times, where he has been an editorial writer, concentrating on issues of defense, space, science, medicine, technology, genetics, molecular biology, the environment, and public policy, a science reporter, and a science editor.
“Meaty, well-written.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Impeccable, fearless, responsible and absorbing . . . Bound to be
the gold standard in the field for a very long time.” —Lionel
Tiger, Rutgers University
“Timely and informative.” —The New York Times Book Review
“By far the best book I have ever read on humanity’s deep
history.” —E. O. Wilson, biologist and author of The
Ants and On Human Nature
Scientists are using DNA analysis to understand our prehistory: the evolution of humans; their relation to the Neanderthals, who populated Europe and the Near East; and Homo erectus, who roamed the steppes of Asia. Most importantly, geneticists can trace the movements of a little band of human ancestors, numbering perhaps no more than 150, who crossed the Red Sea from east Africa about 50,000 years ago. Within a few thousand years, their descendents, Homo sapiens, became masters of all they surveyed, the other humanoid species having become extinct. According to New York Times science reporter Wade, this DNA analysis shows that evolution isn't restricted to the distant past: Iceland has been settled for only 1,000 years, but the inhabitants have already developed distinctive genetic traits. Wade expands his survey to cover the development of language and the domestication of man's best friend. And while "race" is often a dirty word in science, one of the book's best chapters shows how racial differences can be marked genetically and why this is important, not least for the treatment of diseases. This is highly recommended for readers interested in how DNA analysis is rewriting the history of mankind. Maps. (Apr. 24) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
"Meaty, well-written." -Kirkus Reviews
"Impeccable, fearless, responsible and absorbing . . . Bound to be
the gold standard in the field for a very long time." -Lionel
Tiger, Rutgers University
"Timely and informative." -The New York Times Book Review
"By far the best book I have ever read on humanity's deep history."
-E. O. Wilson, biologist and author of The Ants and On
Human Nature
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