Abstract

This is the history of the world, from the origins of the Cosmos to the present day, seen through three major narratives: work, sex and power - the forces that have done more than any other to shape the world as we see it now.

It expertly explores the foundations of our developing society by showing how these grand themes have recurred throughout the various phases of global history. From communities of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers, through feudalism and onto the capitalistic machine-civilisation of recent centuries, Willie Thompson takes us on a journey that is fundamentally opposed to mainstream histories which concentrate on monarchs, politicians and military commanders.

At the centre of this book lies the interaction between humans and their environment. By exploring history in this way, it reveals a simple yet powerful materialist understanding of how we got to where we are today, and opens a door to a different reading of our world.
'A powerful book derived from decades of historical research and reflection on the essence of what it is to be human. A must read'
Dianne Kirby, Reader in International History, University of Ulster
'An extremely ambitious attempt to explain the history of humankind. Thompson's historical materialism provides him with a reliable compass on his journey and the end result is nothing short of inspiring'
Stefan Berger, Professor of Social History and Director of the Institute for Social Movements at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
'An engaging and concise world history that is both analytically ambitious and lucidly argued'
John Callaghan, Professor of Politics, University of Salford
'A welcome addition to the history of change in the global human condition and situation'
Dr KAJ McLay, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Canterbury Christ Church University