The Ratchet of Technology

Book summaries and thoughts on history, technology & progress

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Category: Geography in History

Books that focus on the impact that geography (climate, biomes, altitude, access to ocean or rivers) has had on human history. In particular, they seek to identify geographic factors that speed up development.

March 17, 2020March 26, 2020 Michael Magoon

Book Summary: “Origins: How Earth’s History Shaped Human History” by Lewis Dartnell

January 8, 2020March 26, 2020 Michael Magoon

Book Summary: “Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond

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Top Posts & Pages

  • Book Summary: "The Nature of Technology" by W. Brian Arthur
  • Book Summary: "The Box" by Marc Levinson
  • Book Summary: "The Age of Wood" by Roland Ennos
  • Book Summary: "Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny" by Robert Wright
  • Book Summary: “Ultrasociety: How 10,000 Years of War Made Humans the Greatest Cooperators on Earth” by Peter Turchin
  • Book Summary: “Why Europe?” by Jack Goldstone
  • Summaries of Top Ten Books
  • Book Summary: “Alchemy of Air” by Thomas Hager
  • My Thoughts

Recent Posts

  • Book Summary: “A Question of Power” by Robert Bryce
  • Book Summary: “First Farmers” by David Bellwood
  • Book Summary: “The Age of Wood” by Roland Ennos
  • Book Summary: “The Box” by Marc Levinson
  • Book Summary: “How the Old World Ended” by Jonathan Scott

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