Big History and the Future of Humanity

Reflecting the latest theories in the sciences and humanities, the new edition of Big History and the Future of Humanity presents an accessible and original overview of the entire sweep of history from the origins of the universe and life on Earth up to the present day. Placing the relatively brief period of human history within a much broader framework—one that considers everything from vast galaxy clusters to the tiniest sub-atomic particles—Big History is an innovative theoretical approach that opens up entirely new multidisciplinary research agendas. Noted historian Fred Spier reveals how a thorough examination of patterns of complexity can offer richer insights into what the future may have in store for humanity.

The second edition includes new learning features, such as highlighted scientific concepts, an illustrative timeline, and comprehensive glossary. By exploring the cumulative history from the Big Bang to the modern day, Big History and the Future of Humanity, Second Edition, sheds important historical light on where we’ve been—and offers a tantalizing glimpse of what lies ahead.

“Brilliant. It pushes the project of theorizing big history a lot further, in exactly the right way, alert to the dangers of over-theorizing or theorizing on too limited information. It will be a major contribution to the discipline.” —David Christian, Macquarie University, author of Maps of Time: An Introduction to Big History

“This book has convinced me not only that Big History is interesting and exciting, but has established a genuine intellectual basis for integrating historical knowledge, and historical method, with those of the natural world. This is a framework in which, ideally, all history should be investigated, taught and discussed.” —R. I. Moore, Emeritus Professor of History, Newcastle University

“The most exciting book that I’ve read in 30 years. A masterpiece!” —Barry Rodrigue, University of Southern Maine

“Narratives don’t come much grander than the current scientific view of the history of the Universe … Spier is one of a small band of exponents of big history, the effort to put the whole story together in an academically rigorous way … Everyone should have access to this.” —Times Higher Education Supplement