Cover of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

World history · Anthropology

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Bestseller: about 25 million copies (estimate)

4.2 out of 5, from 2,200 ratings from Hardcover readers

A sweeping account of how Homo sapiens came to dominate the planet, from the cognitive revolution through farming and empires to science and modern capitalism. It argues that shared stories and myths made large-scale cooperation possible.

Facts last checked 2026-10-17

First published
2011
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
443
Format
Book 1 of 2 in Homo

Read this if you enjoy big-picture history that questions things most people take for granted.

Skip this if you want detailed, tightly sourced scholarship rather than broad, opinionated generalizations.

The feel

Content warnings

None noted yet.

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Misogyny
  • Racism
  • Violence

Quick answers about Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

What is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind about?
A sweeping account of how Homo sapiens came to dominate the planet, from the cognitive revolution through farming and empires to science and modern capitalism. It argues that shared stories and myths made large-scale cooperation possible.
Who should read Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind?
Read it if you enjoy big-picture history that questions things most people take for granted. Skip it if you want detailed, tightly sourced scholarship rather than broad, opinionated generalizations.
How long and how fast is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 443 pages, first published in 2011.
Does Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind have content warnings?
We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
Can I borrow Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind; the borrow button above searches it for you.

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