Cover of the book The Dawn of Everything
Bestseller book
Critically acclaimed
Buy on Amazon

Already read? Rate it!

The Dawn of Everything

byDavid Graeber, David Wengrow

Who is this book for? Readers interested in history, anthropology, and social theory.

Topics CivilizationSocial OrganizationHuman EmancipationCritique of Historical Narratives
MoodThought-Provoking, Reflective
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND SUNDAY TIMES, OBSERVER AND BBC HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR FINALIST FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING 2022 'Pacey and potentially revolutionary' Sunday Times 'Iconoclastic and irreverent ... an exhilarating read' The Guardian For generations, our remote ancestors have been cast as primitive and childlike - either free and equal, or thuggish and warlike. Civilization, we are told, could be achieved only by sacrificing those original freedoms or, alternatively, by taming our baser instincts. David Graeber and David Wengrow show how such theories first emerged in the eighteenth century as a reaction to indigenous critiques of European society, and why they are wrong. In doing so, they overturn our view of human history, including the origins of farming, property, cities, democracy, slavery and civilization itself. Drawing on path-breaking research in archaeology and anthropology, the authors show how history becomes a far more interesting place once we begin to see what's really there. If humans did not spend 95 per cent of their evolutionary past in tiny bands of hunter-gatherers, what were they doing all that time? If agriculture, and cities, did not mean a plunge into hierarchy and domination, then what kinds of social and economic organization did they lead to? The answers are often unexpected, and suggest that the course of history may be less set in stone, and more full of playful possibilities than we tend to assume. The Dawn of Everything fundamentally transforms our understanding of the human past and offers a path toward imagining new forms of freedom, new ways of organizing society. This is a monumental book of formidable intellectual range, animated by curiosity, moral vision and faith in the power of direct action. 'This is not a book. This is an intellectual feast' Nassim Nicholas Taleb 'The most profound and exciting book I've read in thirty years' Robin D. G. Kelley

Language

en

Published on

01/01/2022

Pages

692

Format

Paperback

ISBN

9780141991061

Price Comparison

Editions in other languages

More books by David Graeber and David Wengrow

Show all

Books similar to The Dawn of Everything

If you enjoyed readingThe Dawn of Everything by David Graeber, David Wengrow, you may also like some of the following books.


Political Theory

Engage with the foundational ideas that underpin political systems through books on political theory. These works explore the concepts and debates that continue to shape political thought.

Show all

Social History

Social history books focus on the everyday lives of people throughout the ages. These narratives explore cultural, social, and economic aspects, providing a comprehensive view of how societies have evolved over time.

Show all

Philosophy

Embark on a journey through the profound and thought-provoking world of philosophy books. Whether you're seeking to unravel the mysteries of existence or explore ethical dilemmas, our collection offers something for every curious mind.

Show all

History

Delve into the captivating world of history books that bring the past to life. From ancient civilizations to modern events, these narratives offer insights and lessons from bygone eras.

Show all

Award Winning Literature

Step into the world of **Award Winning Literature books**, where every page resonates with excellence and acclaim. These books have not only captured the hearts of readers but have also been recognized by prestigious literary awards.

Show all