Based on the groundbreaking synthesis of recent scientific findings, Wade recounts a bold and provocative story of the history of humanity's ancient ancestors and the evolution of human nature. In wonderfully lively and lucid prose, Wade reveals the answers to many questions: When did language emerge? When and why did humans start wearing clothing? Why did the different races evolve? Wade takes readers to the forefront of research in a sweeping and engrossing narrative and weaves together the disparate perspectives of palaeontology, linguistics and anthology.