Listen to a sample
A Little History of the Earth
The Little Histories Series (Related to this series)
- Author
- Jamie Woodward
- Narrator
- David Linski
- Publisher
- Blackstone Publishing
- Publish Date
- 7 February 2026
- Run Time
- 10 hours
- Format
- Audiobook
What to expect
A lively account of the history of our planet, from its earliest origins to the present day, told through the major geological changes and scientific breakthroughs
Where has our planet come from, and what lies beneath its surface? How have we come to understand its past and present environments, and what does its future look like? Thanks to scientists who study its rocks, fossils, and landscapes, we know that Earth history spans over four and a half billion years. But there is still much more to discover.
This Little History recounts our planet’s fascinating past and the science which has shaped how we think about it. Taking us from the formation of the Solar System, the evolution of our atmosphere and oceans, and the first signs of life, through to dinosaurs, mammals, and the eventual arrival of humans, Woodward shows us the full span of Earth history, from deep time to the Anthropocene. Along the way, we learn about the major breakthroughs of the pioneering scientists who have unearthed our planet’s secrets.
From fossils of ancient creatures to the very air we breathe, this is the essential guide to our world.
Critics Review
-
“The author’s reverence for his subject…turns what could be a workmanlike read into an exciting one.”
Kirkus Reviews
-
“Linski’s delivery is solid, and he effectively adjusts his pace to fit the material and keep listeners engaged…This one-volume history of Earth is a fascinating trip made that much better by the narrator’s effective delivery.”
Kirkus Audiobook Reviews
-
“A breezy and brilliant waltz through the history of Earth. Accessible and authoritative, A Little History of the Earth covers 4.54 billion years of history in forty punchy chapters. If you’re short on time but want to appreciate the big-picture history of our planet, let Jamie Woodward be your guide.”
Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs
-
“A fast-paced and entertaining distillation of our planet’s history from its formation until now. Each succinct chapter tells a fascinating story of scientific discovery.”
Tim Coulson, author of A Little History of Everything
See more reviews See fewer reviews
-
“A wonderful introduction to our planet’s past, and what makes the Earth so special. Pocket-sized, but bursting with big, mind-blowing ideas!”
Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins
User Reviews
No reviews yet.
Details
- Author
- Jamie Woodward
- Narrator
- David Linski
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Release Date
- 7 February 2026
- ISBN
- 9798228699564
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Blackstone Publishing
- Genre
- Ecological science, the Biosphere, Geography, Evolution, Earth sciences
Synopsis
A lively account of the history of our planet, from its earliest origins to the present day, told through the major geological changes and scientific breakthroughsWhere has our planet come from, and what lies beneath its surface? How have we come to understand its past and present environments, and what does its future look like? Thanks to scientists who study its rocks, fossils, and landscapes, we know that Earth history spans over four and a half billion years. But there is still much more to discover.This Little History recounts our planet’s fascinating past and the science which has shaped how we think about it. Taking us from the formation of the Solar System, the evolution of our atmosphere and oceans, and the first signs of life, through to dinosaurs, mammals, and the eventual arrival of humans, Woodward shows us the full span of Earth history, from deep time to the Anthropocene. Along the way, we learn about the major breakthroughs of the pioneering scientists who have unearthed our planet’s secrets.From fossils of ancient creatures to the very air we breathe, this is the essential guide to our world.
About xigxag
xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK's only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.
There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at $13.95. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from $7.95. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.
Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.
Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.