“Whatever their skin colour, height, or eye shape, all human beings on our planet belong to the Homo sapiens sapiens race, which is part of the unique species of Homo sapiens, which in turn belongs to the single genus Homo that originated in Africa three million years ago.”

In a clear, simple but vivid style, Yves Coppens recounts the main stages of the fascinating adventure of humanity, from the first stirrings of life to the advent of modern human beings, and including the disappearance of the dinosaurs.

Young and old alike will enjoy this essential, accessible illustrated book.

Internationally recognised as the discoverer of Lucy, Yves Coppens is an honorary professor at the Collège de France and a member of the French Academy of Sciences. He is the author of Préambules (1998; Odile Jacob paperback, 2001), Le Genou de Lucy (1999) and L'Histoire de l'homme. 22 ans d'amphi au Collège de France (2008).