討論人類歷史演變(13000年前到現代)與環境的關係，最近作者另一本Collapse:how societies choose to fail or succeed，可視為其姊妹作。
An intriguing study of the rise of civilization argues that human development is not based on race or ethnic differences but rather is linked to biological diversity, discussing the evolution of agriculture, technology, writing, political systems, and religious belief. Tour