The Age of Wood: Our Most Useful Material and the Construction of Civilization

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As the dominant species on Earth, humans have made remarkable strides since our ancestors descended from trees. This exploration delves into how small primates evolved to walk upright, become top predators, and establish civilizations. A pivotal factor in our success has been our relationship with wood. By synthesizing recent research across diverse fields such as primatology, anthropology, archaeology, and engineering, the author reinterprets human history, illustrating how our ability to harness wood's unique properties has shaped our bodies, minds, societies, and daily lives. The narrative takes us on a ten-million-year journey, from Southeast Asia and West Africa, where great apes navigate trees and create tools, to East Africa, where hunter-gatherers sourced their food. It also explores the architectural marvels of wooden temples in China and Japan, and the industrial evolution in Northern England spurred by coal. Addressing the consequences of industrialization, including the shift from timber to fossil fuels, the work emphasizes the crucial role of trees in human history and evolution. It advocates for a return to traditional practices of growing and utilizing trees for the benefit of our planet. This compelling blend of history and science offers valuable insights for anyone interested in nature, the environment, and the development of our world.