It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
Sapiens A Graphic History, Volume 1

Sapiens A Graphic History, Volume 1

The Birth of Humankind

Summary

The first volume of the graphic adaptation of Yuval Noah Harari's global phenomenon and smash SUNDAY TIMES #1 BESTSELLER. Featuring 256 pages of gorgeous full-colour illustrations and wrapped in a beautiful package.

One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one-homo sapiens.

What happened to the others?

And what may happen to us?


In this first volume of the adaptation of his ground-breaking book, renowned historian Yuval Harari tells the story of humankind's creation and evolution, exploring the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human". From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens challenges us to reconsider accepted beliefs, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and view specific events within the context of larger ideas.

Featuring easy-to-understand text covering the first part of the original edition, this adaptation of the mind-expanding book furthers the ongoing conversation as it introduces Harari's ideas to a wider new readership.

'[A] wonderful graphic novel... Smart, funny and dipped deep in the reality of what we as a species are...' Big Issue *Books of the Year*

Reviews

  • [A] wonderful graphic novel... Smart, funny and dipped deep in the reality of what we as a species are... Crammed with the details that made the original so jaw-dropping and essential.
    Big Issue *Books of the Year*

About the authors

Yuval Noah Harari

Prof. Yuval Noah Harari is a historian, philosopher and the global bestselling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, the graphic adaptation series Sapiens: A Graphic History, and Unstoppable Us, his first series of books for children. His books have sold over 45 million copies in 65 languages, with Sapiens alone selling 25 million copies since it was first published in 2013. A New York Times and Sunday Times #1 bestseller, Sapiens spent an incredible 96 consecutive weeks in the top 3 of the Sunday Times bestseller list. Yuval Noah Harari is also behind Sapienship – an international social impact company focused on education and storytelling, which he co-founded with his husband Itzik Yahav. Harari is considered one of the world’s most influential public intellectuals today.
Learn More

Daniel Casanave (Illustrator)

Learn More

David Vandermeulen

Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more