A most improbable journey: a big history of our planet and ourselves

Description

"Famed geologist Walter Alvarez expands our view of human history by revealing the cosmic, geologic, and evolutionary forces that have shaped us. Big History, the field that studies the entire known past of our universe to give context to human existence, has so far been the domain of historians. In The Little Book of Big History, geologist Walter Alvarez--best known for his 'Impact Theory' explaining dinosaur extinction--makes a compelling case for a new, science-first approach to Big History. He brings a scientist's view to the human story, from the creation of our universe and our planet, the rise of life, the movement of our continents and its effect on human migration, to humanity's ascendance due to our mastery of Earth's natural resources. Alvarez's illuminating observations and stories will give readers a new appreciation of the events, from the Big Bang to the Bronze Age and beyond, that have led to the human situation. Through entertaining, bite-sized chapters, The Little Book of Big History will send readers out in a thousand different directions to learn more"--Provided by publisher.;Prologue -- Big history, the Earth, and the human situation -- [1] Cosmos -- From the Big Bang to Planet Earth -- [2] Earth -- Gifts from the Earth -- A planet with continents and oceans -- A tale of two mountain ranges -- Remembering ancient rivers -- [3] Life -- Your personal record of life history -- [3] Humanity -- The great journey -- Being human -- Epilogue -- What was the chance of all this happening? -- Appendix 1: Further resources -- Appendix 2: Figure sources. Prologue -- Big history, the Earth, and the human situation -- [1] Cosmos -- From the Big Bang to Planet Earth -- [2] Earth -- Gifts from the Earth -- A planet with continents and oceans -- A tale of two mountain ranges -- Remembering ancient rivers -- [3] Life -- Your personal record of life history -- [3] Humanity -- The great journey -- Being human -- Epilogue -- What was the chance of all this happening? -- Appendix 1: Further resources -- Appendix 2: Figure sources.