The Myth of Mankind

From an anthropologist renowned for overturning outdated evolutionary dogma, a lively, myth-busting, and transformative new portrait of human evolution

What if it turns out that most of the stories we tell about human evolution are false—apart from evolution itself? One hundred and fifty years ago, Charles Darwin legitimized the notion that “man has ultimately become superior to woman,” and misleading ideas about natural selection have been used to justify antiquated, patriarchal biases ever since.

For the first time, evolutionary anthropologist Holly Dunsworth brings together the latest research with her own groundbreaking original work, overturning the long-held idea that men’s physical and social dominance, racial biological hierarchy, and our supposedly fated tribalism are all rooted in evolution. She debunks many of the prevailing myths of evolutionary biology, from the notion that women are programmed to prefer stronger men to the theory that babies are born too early because women’s hips are too narrow. Evolution, she shows us, is not a process of optimization, driven by competition. Instead, she reveals what we learn about our past from the actual facts of evolution: anatomy, the fossil record and change over deep time.

Human nature is not something to overcome; it is our greatest gift. In The Myth of Mankind, Dunsworth writes the sexism out of our past, the gender essentialism and racism out of our present, and new possibilities into our future.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs