A History of Ideas: From Fire to Freud, Volumes 1 and 2

This is a monumental, million-word encyclopedia for general readers, surveying the development of human thought and culture from our ancestors walking upright and discovering fire to the flourishing of diverse schools of thought in the early twentieth century.

Our ancient human ancestors were an inconspicuous kind of primate in Africa. What factors led them to spread across the entire planet and even embark on journeys to explore outer space? And what developments led them to reflect on the damage humanity has inflicted on Earth, and then adopt a more conscientious way of life? In thoughtful prose, Watson tells the story of how humans became who we are today, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of the world and themselves.

This is a general history written through the lens of ideas. History is no longer about the rise and fall of dynasties or the victors and the vanquished, but about the important ideas and intellectual movements that have helped humanity advance its understanding of the world and itself.