
audiobook
CONTENTS
PREHISTORIC MAN
THE WORLD GROWS COLD
THE END OF THE STONE AGE
THE EARLIEST SCHOOL OF THE HUMAN RACE
THE KEY OF STONE
THE LAND OF THE LIVING AND THE LAND OF THE DEAD
THE MAKING OF A STATE
THE RISE AND FALL OF EGYPT
MESOPOTAMIA, THE COUNTRY BETWEEN THE RIVERS
In this sweeping yet intimate account, the author invites listeners to walk hand‑in‑hand through the first chapters of our species’ story. Rather than a dry textbook, the narrative moves like a personal expedition, pausing at mysterious rivers of time and scaling solitary peaks of discovery. The tone is warm and reflective, urging curiosity and compassion as we trace humanity’s earliest steps.
The early sections paint a vivid picture of prehistoric life, describing the rugged world of our ancient ancestors—hair‑covered, fire‑naïve hunters who survived on raw bounty from forests and cliffs. Using the latest archaeological findings, the book reconstructs their appearance, habits, and the harsh environments that shaped them. Listeners are encouraged to contemplate the mystery of where we came from, while the guide reminds them to seek other perspectives and keep an open, humane outlook.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (148K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Sjaani and PG Distributed Proofreaders
Release date
2006-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1882–1944
Best known for turning big stretches of history into lively stories, this Dutch-American writer helped generations of readers feel that the past was vivid, human, and fun to explore. His books mixed clear explanations with his own illustrations, giving history an unusually personal voice.
View all books
by Hendrik Willem Van Loon

by Hendrik Willem Van Loon

by Edward Eggleston

by Holland Thompson

by H. A. (Hélène Adeline) Guerber

by Noah Brooks

by Alice Morse Earle

by John Bach McMaster