I am an athro grad and felt I needed an update, having been away from the field for some time. This is a great overview of current thinking in the field. Terminology has changed. New concepts have evolved. It's just what I wanted. I don't know WHY hominids are now hominins, but the author almost apologetically informs me that's the way it is, so I've got to change. OK, if I have to, I guess.

I'm somewhat dumbfounded by these other reviews. I can't imagine why Roten calls this book awful. In what way? The writing is clear. It's not the least bit boring, and he doesn't overwhelm you with arcane detail. If you want a popularist treatment of the subject, go for it. You can always read a Donald Johansen book and listen to him brag about himself. This book isn't out to entertain you, but to inform you. I read half of this on an airplane and was captivated.

Another three-star review says he is continually reminded this is a textbook. Well, duh! It IS a textbook used, among other places, at Oxford. And there's nothing at all wrong or poor about the pictures or illustrations. They are very helpful.

And, no, it doesn't have Homo florensis. That was only first detailed in late 2004. This book came out in 2005, so the text must have been finished prior. There is no way it could have included florensis. It is updated every five years and is in its fifth edition. I'm sure the author will include florensis next time. Be patient. Florensis isn't such a big deal anyway. Most anthropologists think it is an island-isolated erectus anyway. It doesn't 're-write' paleontology. Oh, wait! The news stories say it did!

My only mild criticism of the book is that it is too short with too little detail. But for what it is and what it is intended to be, it's great! Highly recommended.