In this thrilling history, David Baker captures the longest-possible time span–from the Big Bang to the present day–in an astonishingly concise retelling. His impressive timeline includes the “rise of complexity” in the cosmos and the creation of the first atoms; the origin of all galaxies, stars, and our solar system; and the evolution of life on Earth, from tiny single-celled organisms to human beings.

Weaving together insights across the sciences–including chemistry, physics, biology, archaeology, and anthropology–Baker answers the fundamental questions: How did time begin? Why does matter exist? What made life on Earth the way it is? He also argues that never before has life on Earth been forced to adjust to a changing climate so rapidly, nor has one species ever been responsible for such sudden change. Baker’s grand view offers the clearest picture of what may come next–and the role we can still play in our planet’s fate.

The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.