Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"The Past in Perspective is one of the best textbooks on world prehistory. I appreciate the attention that Feder puts into discussing the differences between consensus views, as well as the debates that might overturn established ideas. The organization, writing, and balance between different topics are excellent; it is clear that Feder went through considerable pains to make it accessible."--Jason Nesbitt, Tulane University "The Past in Perspective is personable, contemporary, and conversational. Feder's engaging writing style, curated selection of case studies, and funny anecdotes spark students' curiosity. He makes a concerted effort to be relatable and to boil concepts down to the simplest level. The student-oriented pedagogy definitely aligns with the present shift toward active learning; it encourages students to be more thoughtful and critical."--Lindsay Der, University of British Columbia "The Past in Perspective provides one of the best comprehensive and in-depth overviews of world prehistory, while also providing rich examples illustrating major milestones in technology, society, and other developments."--Nicholas Jew, California State University, Los Angeles
Table of ContentsPrefaceEncountering the PastProbing the PastAfrican RootsThe Human LineageThe First Humans: The Evolution of Homo sapiensExpanding Intellectual Horizons: Arts and Ideas in the Upper Paleolithic and Late Stone AgeExpanding Geographic Horizons: New WorldsAfter the Ice: The Food-Producing RevolutionRoots of Complexity: The Origins of CivilizationAn Explosion of Complexity: Mesopotamia, Africa, and EuropeThe Evolution of the StateAn Explosion of Complexity: The Indus Valley and ChinaAn Explosion of Complexity: MesoamericaAn Explosion of Complexity: South AmericaAn Explosion of Complexity: North AmericaEvolutionary Epilogue
