The Lost Civilizations of the Stone Age
by Richard Rudgley
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Book Summary Information
Author: Richard RudgleyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2000-01-25
ISBN: 0684862700
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Free Press
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780684862705
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of The Lost Civilizations of the Stone Age
Book Review: Cave People -- Not So Different Than Us?
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are looking for astounding proof of the ancient (but non-existent) Cimmerians, fabled Atlantis, or even, perhaps, irrefutable evidence that Human civilization was begun by aliens from other planets, I'd suggest you buy the latest edition of the National Enquirer. You won't find these topics in "The Lost Civilizations of the Stone Age," by Richard Rudgley. In fact, in some respects the title of the book is somewhat misleading, because -- other than, perhaps, a very Old World European society which predates the arrival of "proto-Europeans," there really are no "lost" civilizations discussed in this book.
What is discussed, however, is the found evidence of past Human culture. Rudgley conducts a fascinating survey of what our most ancient ancestors were doing with all that time they had on their hands, including inventing language, making a beginning at written symbolism, domesticating fire, developing pottery, and, apparently, smoking a whole lot of marijuana. The author's main point is that the origins of much human behavior, technology, art and culture that contemporary archeologists and paleo-anthropologists suggest developed no earlier than just ten thousand or so years ago is actually the result of a long period of usage and development, dating to as early as the lower paleolithic period, i.e., the time of Homo Erectus, before even Neanderthals roamed the Earth.
Rudgley considers archeological artifacts from around the world in building his case that Human culture is much older than generally ascribed, and, in the final analysis, it is not only a persuasive argument, but consonant with common sense. Chapters on early art, fire, written symbols, and the development of language are particularly fascinating.
An added bonus with this book is not just the fascinating material, but it is also guaranteed to help the insomniac find relief. This is not necessarily a rap on the author or the content, though, because you will want to pick it up again next evening to read more, before falling into dreams of life as a caveman. (Or cavewoman.)
If you, like me, are curious about what life was like for our earliest ancestors, where we came from, how we got here, and the events which preceded written history, I think you will enjoy this book. I did.
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