“Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas” is a fascinating exploration of the origins and migrations of the people who populate North and South America. Written by Jennifer Raff, an associate professor at the University of Kansas, the book delves into recent advances in genetic research to provide a comprehensive view of how Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, and Asians have all contributed to modern American populations.
For who is this book for ?
This book is intended for anyone with an interest in the history of the Americas, genetics, or anthropology. Raff provides a clear and concise overview of complex topics, making her work accessible to general audiences. Students and professionals in related fields will also find much to explore here.
Pros :
- Raff provides a clear and concise overview of the complex genetic history of the Americas.
- The book is extensively researched and well-documented.
- It is engagingly written, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Cons :
- The author does not provide many references or citations.
- The book is dense and may be difficult for some readers to follow.
- The topic of genetics can be complex and may bore some people.”Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas” provides a detailed, up-to-date look at the genetic origins of the people who inhabit North and South America. Written by Jennifer Raff, an associate professor at the University of Kansas, the book draws on recent advances in genetic research to trace how Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, and Asians have all contributed to modern American populations. Despite its density and lack of references/citations, “Origin” is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating corner of world history
Learn more about the author
Jennifer Raff is an associate professor at the University of Kansas, where she teaches courses in genetics and genomics. She has a PhD from Cornell University and conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. Her work has been published in journals such as Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, American Journal of Human Genetics, PLoS One, and more.
Reader Reviews
“Origin is a tour de force of genetic analysis and storytelling. It takes the reader on a compelling journey from the origins of human migration to modern America. With its deft blend of science and history, Raff has created an essential read for anyone interested in American population genetics.”
“Origin is a well-researched and engaging look at the genetic history of the Americas. Raff provides an insightful overview of the latest research on Native American origins, European colonization, and African slave trade. This book will be appreciated by anyone interested in learning more about how these diverse groups have contributed to the make-up of modern Americans.”
“Origin is a ground-breaking work of scholarship that upends long-held beliefs about the origins and migrations of the people who populate North and South America. With meticulous attention to detail, Jennifer Raff provides a comprehensive view of how Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, and Asians have all contributed to modern American populations. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the rich genetic history of our continent.”
“Origin is an extremely well-researched and readable book about the genetic history of the Americas. Raff combines her own expertise with extensive quotations from other researchers to provide a comprehensive overview of how Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, and Asians have all contributed to modern American populations. This is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the origins of our diverse American heritage.”
