Charles C Mann Books

Called “Fascinating! An incredible book” by Oprah Winfrey, this beloved photography collection vividly portrays the look and feel of the human condition everywhere on Earth. In an unprecedented effort, sixteen of the world’s foremost photographers traveled to thirty nations around the globe to live for a week with families that were statistically average for that nation. At the end of each visit, photographer and family collaborated on a remarkable portrait of the family members outside their home, surrounded by all of their possessions; a few jars and jugs for some, an explosion of electronic gadgetry for others. This internationally acclaimed bestseller puts a human face on the issues of population, environment, social justice, and consumption as it illuminates the crucial question facing our species Can all six billion of us have all the things we want? “Material culture, laid bare in this way, is surprisingly intimate―and whets a persons appetite to see the world.” ― The Atlantic “This remarkable book vividly presents its own cross section of families today, with the energy and intimacy of a work of art for our times . . . This is a record of striking value. No time traveler could bring back a more valuable resource.” ― Scientific America “Striking.” ― San Francisco Chronicle

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A deeply engaging history of how European settlements in the post-Colombian Americas shaped the world—from the highly acclaimed author of 1491. • "Fascinating...Lively...A convincing explanation of why our world is the way it is." —The New York Times Book Review Presenting the latest research by biologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and historians, Mann shows how the post-Columbian network of ecological and economic exchange fostered the rise of Europe, devastated imperial China, convulsed Africa, and for two centuries made Mexico City—where Asia, Europe, and the new frontier of the Americas dynamically interacted—the center of the world. In this history, Mann uncovers the germ of today's fiercest political disputes, from immigration to trade policy to culture wars. In 1493, Mann has again given readers an eye-opening scientific interpretation of our past, unequaled in its authority and fascination.

This is an account of history's biggest ecological invasion, when Europe and the Americas collided for the first time in millennia. The book explores how many historians believe that this collision of ecosystems and cultures - the Columbian Exchange - was the most consequential event in human history since the Neolithic Revolution.

"In forty years, Earth's population will reach ten billion. Can our world support that? What kind of world will it be? Those answering these questions generally fall into two deeply divided groups-Wizards and Prophets, as Charles Mann calls them in this balanced, authoritative, nonpolemical new book. The Prophets, he explains, follow William Vogt, a founding environmentalist who believed that in using more than our planet has to give, our prosperity will lead us to ruin. Cut back! was his mantra. Otherwise everyone will lose! The Wizards are the heirs of Norman Borlaug, whose research, in effect, wrangled the world in service to our species to produce modern high-yield crops that then saved millions from starvation. Innovate! was Borlaug's cry. Only in that way can everyone win! Mann delves into these diverging viewpoints to assess the four great challenges humanity faces-food, water, energy, climate change-grounding each in historical context and weighing the options for the future."-- Provided by publisher

Mann and Plummer take us behind the scenes in the aspirin wars to penetrate the shores of capitalism and show the essence of competition at its canniest, most ruthless, most brilliant, and most fierce.ights to Atlantic. 8 pages of photographs.

The first general and comprehensive history of all of Native America

Describes how one computer hacker was able to access hundreds of business and government files and explains why the Internet is becoming less secure

It was believed that in 1491, the year before Columbus landed, the Americas, one-third of the earth's surface, were a near-pristine wilderness inhabited by small, roaming bands of indigenous people. The author brings together the research, and the results of his own travels throughout North and South America.

Offering a vibrant exploration of the Americas, this companion book to "1491" engages young readers with stunning full-color visuals. It reveals the rich history and diverse cultures of the continent prior to Columbus, encouraging a deeper understanding of the indigenous peoples and their environments. This visually captivating journey aims to enlighten and inspire curiosity about America's past in a way that is accessible to younger audiences.