Jared Diamond

Jared Diamond is an American geographer, historian, and author best known for his popular science books such as 'Guns, Germs, and Steel,' which won the Pulitzer Prize. He is also a professor of geography at UCLA and has published extensively on a variety of subjects, including the evolution of human societies, environmental conservation, and the factors that contribute to the collapse of civilizations.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Guns, Germs, and Steel

    The book is a comprehensive exploration of the different trajectories of human societies throughout history. It argues that environmental factors, rather than racial or cultural differences, are the primary reason why some societies developed more advanced technology and political systems. The author uses a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from fields such as geography, evolutionary biology, and linguistics, to support his thesis. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the domestication of plants and animals, the invention of writing, and the spread of diseases.

  2. 2. The Rise And Fall Of The Third Chimpanzee

    "The Rise and Fall of the Third Chimpanzee" explores the fascinating similarities and differences between humans and our closest living relatives, the chimpanzees. Jared Diamond delves into the evolutionary history of Homo sapiens, examining our complex behaviors, language, art, and technology. He also addresses the darker aspects of human nature, such as violence and environmental destruction, and raises thought-provoking questions about our future as a species. Through a captivating blend of science, anthropology, and history, Diamond offers a compelling exploration of what it means to be human and the challenges we face in our quest for survival.

  3. 3. Collapse

    "Collapse" is an exploration of why certain societies throughout history have thrived while others have deteriorated and collapsed. The book delves into environmental problems, climate change, rapid population growth, and unwise political decisions as factors that contribute to the downfall of a civilization. The author uses examples from history such as the Mayans, the Vikings in Greenland, and modern examples like Rwanda and Haiti, to illustrate his points. It serves as both a historical analysis and a warning for modern societies to learn from the past in order to avoid a similar fate.