Human

by Robert Winston (Editor), Don E. Wilson (Editor)

A highly comprehensive and illustrated account of what makes us what we are: how we evolved, how our bodies work and develop, and how we think and behave, this unbelievable reference examines the qualities all humans share but also highlights the diversity of human society and culture. Profiling more than 250 peoples who inhabit the world and examining fascinating facts - from environmental and health issues to beliefs and customs - Human is the definitive illustrated guide to our species.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Reference, Biology, History, Photography, Anthropology

512 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

The Right Honourable Professor The Lord Robert Maurice Lipson Winston

Reviews

[H (no longer expecting notifications) Balikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who are lucky enough to live in the Chesapeake Bay region of the USA have a relatively easy access to the museums of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. I say “lucky” because these museums constitute a treasure-trove of material knowledgeably chosen and carefully presented.
This book has all the hallmarks of both the Smithsonian and DK:
Excellent Organization
Helpful explanations in lay-person language
Beautiful and well-chosen graphics

Here are the general sections covered in this attempt to capture all that is humankind:
Origins
Body
Mind
Life Cycle
Society
Culture
Peoples
Future

Each section has many subsections. For instance “Culture” is divided into Belief; Communication; Clothing and Adornment; Art and Science. It is both daunting and delightful. Not the book you would be given in a college survey course. You have the choice of opening it to a pre-determined page or just taking a chance. I have found both rewarding.

Not yet available in electronic format, it is over-sized and heavy, but likely available from your library.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok a confession - I have read this a number of times but never really finished it - however I had to "dig" it out to get the previous book!
This book is impressive however it comes from a line of equally impressive books from DK. The editor in chief Robert Winston (and not the author as stated here) is no mystery to the subject - apart from his numerous medical achievements he is also an accomplished presenter on science matters.
This book to me represents all that is in danger of being lost to the internet - there is massive amounts of information here - colourfully and clearly presented. It covers so many facts you cannot be unimpressed on how much work has gone in to creating this book - something the internet can copy and disseminate so much quicker - however unlike the internet there is something tactile and reassuring turning the pages and reading chapters on such things as mind, body, life cycle and culture. Once upon a time these books were the pride of joy of any great library - now they are available to all of us - a chance we should take for any inquisitive mind.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

an Absolutely stunning book, High Quality, detailed and informative.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human is a comprehensive view of, well, humans. From the origin of and physical, mental and social aspects of humans to the individual peoples, it's a compendium of what we know to date. Being a Dorling-Kindersley publication it's packed full of pictures and sidebars, which is part of why it took me so long to get through. The language is easy to understand for a non-scientist but doesn't talk down. I also thought they did a good job of presenting all theories as opposed to promoting just certain ones. One thing I liked was that it gave me a better understanding of the physical workings of the body (I now know exactly where the stomach is) but what I found the most fascinating was the overview of the different peoples. Moving geographically, the book gives a brief paragraph on just a sampling of the different races from large groups like American or English to small groups like Udmurt and Hadza, including current population, where they live, and some distinctive characteristics. I had no idea there were so many! I also enjoyed reading about the different social customs involving birth, adulthood, marriage and death.

[Elizabeth Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A profusely illustrated examination of what it means to be human, how we came to be how we are, and where we might be going. These questions are examined from the perspectives of anthropology, evolutionary biology, animal behaviorism, anatomy, psychology, animal behaviorism and more. I found it inclusive, unbiased, and thought-provoking, although sometimes it tended to over-explain (stating four times in two pages that we are not descended from any living animal).

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Awesome! Every person should own this book. It has everything related to humanity, from how our bodies work to the various cultures around the world. I wish I owned this book growing up.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

More information on the human body, cultures, and the mind than one could absorb in the amount of time the library allows one to borrow it. Awesome pictures though.

[MK · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an encyclopedia about the human body, but it also talks about human evolution and history, and how the body works. It's hard to read because it keeps changing the theme.

Also, the images are old and the illustrations look outdated. When purchasing a DK book, be sure to check the publication year and choose a newer book if possible.

This book has very general content, so it would be better to read it in a specialized. For example, biology, anatomy, chemistry, genetics, neuroscience, immunology, endocrinology, pathology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, etc.

[Daniel Gabrielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best definite visual guides of Dorling Kindersley.

[Marcus Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for my 18th birthday because I really wanted one personally for myself to read.
I am a bibliophile which means I love books and I love reading books. I really wanted to have this book because it is a reference book about Anthropology. Anthropology is the study of human beings, cultural diversity, language, societal complexity, technology, performance arts, visual art, music, science and the sheer racial and genetic diversity all around the world. I fell in love with this book although I was skeptical about the origin chapter of the book is controversial, I love the book as a whole. It just tells you everything about what it means to be uniquely human and about what it means to be unique as a species. I love "Smithsonian" reference books about Dinosaurs, Genetics, Space, Natural Disasters, People, Music, History, I love every kind of reference book there has ever been made in existence I am a huge fan of reading books. I loved reading ever since I lived here in Hot Springs, South Dakota. I love it here because I get to read books that I love and I will never stop reading books.

[Chris Seltzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary book. I wish everyone could read the book cover to cover. It brings the story of humanity to life through a captivating fusion of visuals and narrative.

One of the book's most notable strengths lies in its interdisciplinary approach to the subject matter. It expertly weaves together insights from anthropology, sociology, history, and biology to present a multifaceted understanding of the human story.

Human also distinguishes itself through its commitment to highlighting the diversity of human experiences across time and space. The narrative draws attention to the contributions and achievements of various cultures, fostering an appreciation for the richness and complexity of our shared history.

The sheer scope of the book's subject matter necessitates that certain topics be covered briefly or omitted altogether, which may leave some readers craving a more comprehensive treatment of specific areas.

I do feel like a different medium, like an interactive webpage, would be better suited to capture all the complexity of the information. Still for what it is, this might be the best iteration of it.

[Ben]

This book is of the coffee table variety, but on steroids. It begins with the anthropological beginnings of our species, travels through the inner workings of the body, then outward toward society and culture.

It's non-fiction, but has such a broad range of topics anyone can find interest in it.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference book on all to do with the Human Being and Humanity as a whole.

Join Robert Winston on a unique journey to discover every aspect of our existence. From how we function to how we think and act, HUMAN reveals the diversity of our lives and explores our extraordinary past,our fascinating present and our astonishing future...

[Aurimas Nausėda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trumpu enciklopediniu stiliumi parašyta knyga apie žmogaus anatomiją, jausmus. Vertingiausia paskaityti mintis apie pasaulio šalių tautų (lietuvių, anglų, rusų ir kt.) nacionalinius iškirtinumus, mąstymą ir kr. Knyga išleista lietuvių kalba.

[Elissasteele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a seriously cool book. Great layout and pictures and the information is set out so it is easy to understand.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book!!!!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the same format as the Animal edition, and is a great overview of all things human, from origins to anatomy to culture. Another great coffee table book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exhaustive and fascinating reference book on everything human. Professor Robert Winston has done it again!

[F D · Rating 5 out of 5]

You do not read page by page but just randomly. Every part of it inspires you and pushes you to think of yourself again and again. A great adventure.