In The Great Divide; acclaimed author and historian Peter Watson explores the development of humankind between the Old World and the New; and offers a groundbreaking new understanding of human history.By 15;000 BC; humans had migrated from northeastern Asia across the frozen Bering land bridge to the Americas. When the last Ice Agecame to an end; the Bering Strait refilled with water; dividing America from Eurasia. This division continued until Christopher Columbus voyaged to the New World in the fifteenth century.The Great Divide compares the development of humankind in the Old World and the New between 15;000 BC and AD 1;500. Combining the most up-to-date knowledge in archaeology; anthropology; geology; meteorology; cosmology; and mythology; Peter Watson’s masterful study offers uniquely revealing insight into what it means to be human.
#16422 in Books HarperOne 2011-05-03 2011-05-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.31l; .66 #File Name: 0061571288400 pagesHarperOne
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. faiths are founded in differenceBy C. D. VarnA quick guide to eight of the major world religions which focuses on the key differences in the worldview of the various religions. While none of the sections are comprehensive; I felt like I got truly new information about African traditions and their influence on fringe religious movements in the Americas. While basic; in our age of religious and cultural illiteracy; this is a good introductory take on comparative religion that does not search for facts that make world religions seem ethically homogenous. That ecumenicism may make sense to encourage religious tolerance; but it is in the differences between religions that the context for world cultures starts to be made clear.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Human Flourishing: It may be the goal; but each path is certainly different.By Carter BrothersFascinating discussion of the world's religions. I found his decision to focus on the questions "What does this religion see as our main problem and how is that problem solved (either by God(s) or by us or by both)?" to be an excellent way to frame each religion and really help illustrate the differences. I had only a passing knowledge of many of the religions discussed in the book and really enjoyed finding out more about them.I found his main thesis (that all religions are really not one) to be persuasively argued and supported; especially when focusing on this question of "what problem does this religion attempt to solve?" I read it on Kindle so I had trouble going back to compare. Would have been nice to have a summary at the end of the book to remind me of the differences. I'm guessing there must be a study guide somewhere that has this sort of chart/information.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Great book on religions as a wholeBy Frank DenmanI highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in religions; but i especially recommend it to anyone who has a hatred of any religion or anyone who thinks that their religion is the "one true religion". Atheists and Christians alike should check this one out.This book debunks the common misconception that "all religions are different paths leading to the same place". The author does his best to remain unbiased and does not place any one religion as more "right" than any other.Stephen Prothero's simple; easy to read; matter of fact approach simply seeks to inform readers about the goals and solutions of the top eight religions of the world; while at the same time acknowledging that there are good and bad things that come from religion.Overall; I think this book helps to promote understanding about religions as a whole and as a result promotes religious tolerance.
