The Origin of Humankind

This volume deals with the fascinating topic of the origin of humankind. Some of its important areas – from palaeontology to genetics – have yielded striking contributions. However, it also has aspects that transcend science, and probe deeply into domains that do not pertain to scientific culture proper – such as religion and philosophy. The volume brings together contributions from a group of palaeontologists and geneticists, who present an update of knowledge on the topic; the “Out of Africa” theory; the demise of the Neanderthal; and the Italian scene.