A major new look at how Africa’s geological history, climate, geography and biology resulted in the wonderful diversity of life found there. It is also the story of how it was the crucible for the evolution most extraordinary species on Earth – Homo sapiens. Africa has properties that ensure that most of human evolution could have occurred nowhere else. A greater diversity of mammal, bird and many other forms of life has forced more and more species to squeeze into narrower and narrower niches. Human complexity has evolved directly in response to this, the most complex of continents. On offer here is an intensely personal portrait of a continent bolstered by Jonathan Kingdon's own animal senses, the same excited set of senses he was born in Africa with. Senses that look, listen, scent and grasp at the mother-continent. Not just his personal motherland but the birthplace of all humanity.This book is a testament to Kingdon's deep understanding of African nature and ecosystems. His latest exploration into the continent's biological diversity is a literary masterpiece, showcasing the best of natural science writing.For fans of Naoíse Mac Sweeney (The West), Helen Czerski (Blue Machine), Robert Pickering (Blue Blood), Roma Agrawal (Nuts and Bolts), and Mike Martin (How to Fight a War).HarperCollins 2023
