A Little History of the Earth

A lively account of the history of our planet, from its earliest origins to the present day, told through the major geological changes and scientific breakthroughs

Where has our planet come from, and what lies beneath its surface? How have we come to understand its past and present environments, and what does its future look like? Thanks to scientists who study its rocks, fossils, and landscapes, we know that Earth history spans over four and a half billion years. But there is still much more to discover.

This Little History recounts our planet’s fascinating past and the science which has shaped how we think about it. Taking us from the formation of the Solar System, the evolution of our atmosphere and oceans, and the first signs of life, through to dinosaurs, mammals, and the eventual arrival of humans, Woodward shows us the full span of Earth history, from deep time to the Anthropocene. Along the way, we learn about the major breakthroughs of the pioneering scientists who have unearthed our planet’s secrets.

From fossils of ancient creatures to the very air we breathe, this is the essential guide to our world.

Review

"The author's reverence for his subject-the ever-changing world-turns what could be a workmanlike read into an exciting one."-Kirkus Reviews

"A breezy and brilliant waltz through the history of Earth. Accessible and authoritative, A Little History of the Earth covers 4.54 billion years of history in 40 punchy chapters. If you're short on time but want to appreciate the big-picture history of our planet, let Jamie Woodward be your guide."-Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs

"A fast-paced and entertaining distillation of our planet's history from its formation until now. Each succinct chapter tells a fascinating story of scientific discovery."-Tim Coulson, author of A Little History of Everything

"A wonderful introduction to our planet's past, and what makes the Earth so special. Pocket-sized, but bursting with big, mind-blowing ideas!"-Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins

"A breezy and brilliant waltz through the history of Earth. Accessible and authoritative, A Little History of the Earth covers 4.54 billion years of history in 40 punchy chapters. If you're short on time but want to appreciate the big-picture history of our planet, let Jamie Woodward be your guide."-Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs

"A fast-paced and entertaining distillation of our planet's history from its formation until now. Each succinct chapter tells a fascinating story of scientific discovery."-Tim Coulson, author of A Little History of Everything

"A wonderful introduction to our planet's past, and what makes the Earth so special. Pocket-sized, but bursting with big, mind-blowing ideas!"-Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins

About the Author

Jamie Woodward is professor of physical geography at the University of Manchester. He has published extensively on environmental change and recent Earth history. His books include The Ice Age: A Very Short Introduction and The Physical Geography of the Mediterranean.