In a writing style that will captivate those new to the subject, Boulanger presents an understanding of human
biological and cultural evolution that is both scientific and humanistic, in keeping with classic anthropological
ideals. The aim of this reasonably priced text is to help students think critically about what being human has
been, what it is at present, and what it may be in the future. While the book focuses on the anthropological subfields
of biological anthropology and archaeology, information and insights are also drawn from cultural anthropology
and anthropological linguistics. Boulanger's absorbing treatment, in contrast to other texts on human evolution,
features an opening chapter that seeks to negotiate fairly, without defensiveness or condescension, a pathway for
creationists to follow into the topic. The next three chapters provide background on the history of evolutionary
science, the biology of inheritance and population change, and primatology. Chapters 5 through 9 focus on human
biocultural evolution from the time of the ancestor we share with chimpanzees through the development of agriculture
and the founding of states. The last chapter deals with the issue of race&38212;how it has affected our interpretation
of the past and how it continues to influence the present. In addition to an extensive glossary, the fully illustrated
textbook features numerous topic-enhancing sidebars, questions for discussion and review, and student exercises.
Not-for-sale instructor resource material available to college and university faculty only; contact publisher directly.