The Better Angels of Our Nature

Wasnt the twentieth century the most violent in history? In his extraordinary, epic book Steven Pinker shows us that this is wrong, telling the story of humanity in a completely new and unfamiliar way. From why cities make us safer to how books bring about peace, Pinker weaves together history, philosophy and science to examine why we are less likely to die at anothers hand than ever before, how it happened and what it tells us about our very natures.

May prove to be one of the great books of our time ... he writes like an angel Economist

Masterly, a supremely important book ... For anyone interested in human nature, it is engrossing The New York Times

Marvellous ... riveting and myth-destroying New Statesman

A marvellous synthesis of science, history and storytelling, written in Pinkers distinctively entertaining and clear personal style ... I was astonished by the extent to which violence has declined in every shape, form and scale Financial Times

An outstandingly fruitful read, with fascinating nuggets on almost every page Sunday Times, Books of the Year