About this Book

What on Earth is This Book?

What is the book about?

What on Earth Happened? is a narrative account of all history – from the Big Bang to the present day. It is divided into four parts – life before man, stone age history, ancient history and modern history. The hardback edition contains 42 chapters – each one covering a separate topic / period in history - and runs to about 170,000 words. Each chapter is roughly 5,000 words long and should take about 30 minutes to read. The abridged paperback version What on Earth Happened? in Brief (published in the UK, June 1st 2009) runs to approx 90,000 words and is divided into 14 chapters.

What makes this book different from other world histories?

Other world histories are either about the history of humans, usually starting with earliest civlisations c 6,000 years ago, or they are about natural history (geological or evolutionary) and not about man. What on Earth Happened? is different because it attempts to weave together the story of planet, life and people into a single interconnected story giving it a unique perspective on the past.

Why is this book so important?

It is the author’s view, at least, that a new interpretation of history is essential if humans are to be able to make the right decisions for planet, life and people in the future. In order to have a global perspective on the future, to combat issues such as climate change, biodiversity and population growth, we need an interconnected, global view of the past. If history continues to be learned as being only about people in the last few thousand years then decisions in the future will continue to made only in what are perceived to be in the interests of people (even if in the long-term they are disastrous for all life, including people).

Who is the book aimed at?

What on Earth Happened? is written in an accessible way so that it can be enjoyed by all the family – from grandparents, to parents, single adults and children. It is especially powerful if read out aloud. It is not designed as a “dip in and dip out” reference book, although it can be used as such thanks to its comprehensive index and the Tables of Ten at the back. The book draws its power from the cumulative story that increasingly connects the story of planet, life and finally people with its unfolding narrative over time. Ideally you should start and the beginning and read through to the end!

How long will it take to read this book?

The hardback edition runs to 170,000 words. Not many people will want to read it all at once. It is best read a chapter at a time, perhaps covering one topic / chapter a day several in a week. What on Earth Happened? therefore represents extremely good value for money in terms of hours occupied per £ spent! The abridged paperback edition, What on Earth Happened? in Brief is perfect for people on the move or those who want to get a quicker grasp of the key moments along the fascinating journey of all history from the beginning of time to the present day —planet, life and people.

Is What on Earth Happened? suitable for my children?

While the hardback is highly accessible, with more than 200 illustrations and 50 maps, it is primarily a narrative and does not fall into the trap of “dumbing down” history. On one level it can be enjoyed as a simple chronological account of what has happened. It also covers many less well known events from history as well a number of deeper philosophical and religious issues. Strong readers aged 12 and upwards should cope with the book without adult assistance. Younger readers will probably need to share the reading, perhaps with parents or teachers taking it in turns to read a chapter out aloud at a time and then taking a few minutes to discuss the themes covered in each chapter to give the child a chance fully to consider and digest the story. The larger font and less lengthy abridged paperback edition may be suitable for less strong readers.

Is What on Earth Happened? mapped to the curriculum?

Not yet, although it is intended that it will soon be accompanied by a teacher’s support pack that will map its cross-curricular content to the national curriculum requirements of key stages 2, 3 and 4.

What about the evolution Vs creationism debate?

What on Earth Happened? respects all views without shirking from the scientific and historical data on which all history must be based. Religious beliefs play a vital part in the unfolding story and are highly respected as key cultural indicators about what makes different human societies tick and how they have managed their essential relationships with nature. There is no agenda in the book either to undermine or support any one religion over another or to endorse or reject an atheistic point of view. For what it’s worth, the experience of writing and researching the book has been, in the broadest possible sense, a spiritual awakening for the author as the connections between planet, life and people have revealed themselves as the narrative unfolded.

Can I get signed copies?

Absolutely! The author is happy to print, sign and send personalised bookplates for readers to stick inside their copies. Click here for details.

Are there any FAQs you would like to see here but are not included? If so, please email the author here.

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