Price: $28.95 - $22.47
(as of Oct 17, 2024 16:36:05 UTC – Details)
“Hoof Beats helps readers see the drama even in the grass eating. . . . Taylor has written that too-rare work that is as authoritative as it is legible to the lay audience.”—New York Times
Journey to the ancient past with cutting-edge science and new data to discover how horses forever altered the course of human history.
From the Rockies to the Himalayas, the bond between horses and humans has spanned across time and civilizations. In this archaeological journey, William T. Taylor explores how momentous events in the story of humans and horses helped create the world we live in today. Tracing the horse’s origins and spread from the western Eurasian steppes to the invention of horse-drawn transportation and the explosive shift to mounted riding, Taylor offers a revolutionary new account of how horses altered the course of human history.
Drawing on Indigenous perspectives, ancient DNA, and new research from Mongolia to the Great Plains and beyond, Taylor guides readers through the major discoveries that have placed the horse at the origins of globalization, trade, biological exchange, and social inequality. Hoof Beats transforms our understanding of both horses and humanity’s ancient past and asks us to consider what our relationship with horses means for the future of humanity and the world around us.
From the Publisher
Publisher : University of California Press; First Edition (August 6, 2024)
Language : English
Hardcover : 360 pages
ISBN-10 : 0520380673
ISBN-13 : 978-0520380677
Item Weight : 1.2 pounds
Dimensions : 5.5 x 1.3 x 8.5 inches
4.5
Reviewer: Isaac H.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A must read for scientists and horse enthusaists around the world.
Review: Dr. William Taylor’s “Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History” is a masterpiece that gallops through the annals of time with the grace and power of the very creatures it celebrates. This book is an extraordinary journey, tracing the profound influence of horses on human civilization from their ancient beginnings to their central role in cultures across the globe.Taylor begins his narrative in the deep past, painting a vivid picture of the evolution of horses. With meticulous research and engaging prose, he brings to life the prehistoric landscapes where early horses roamed. The reader is effortlessly transported to the steppes of Eurasia, where the bond between humans and horses began to take shape. Taylor’s expertise shines as he explores the initial experiment of horse domestication in Mongolia, unraveling the complex interplay of environmental, social, and technological factors that led to this pivotal moment in history.One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of how horse culture spread from Eurasia to the far corners of the world. Taylor expertly navigates the vast expanse of this historical journey, showing how horses became integral to various societies around the globe, transforming warfare, trade, and daily life. His narrative is enriched with fascinating anecdotes and insights, making the historical figures and events feel remarkably present and relevant.”Hoof Beats” is not merely a chronicle of past events; it is a tribute to the enduring legacy of horses. Taylor’s account of how these majestic animals were adopted in the New World is particularly captivating. He illustrates how horses almost instantly became the quintessential companions of Plains peoples, shaping their way of life and identity in profound ways. The reader gains a deep appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between horses and humans, understanding how this bond influenced cultural development and survival strategies.Dr. Taylor’s writing is both scholarly and accessible, making “Hoof Beats” a delight for both academic readers and history enthusiasts. His passion for the subject is evident on every page, infusing the text with a sense of wonder and admiration for these incredible creatures. The book is richly illustrated, with maps and drawings that complement the narrative and enhance the reader’s experience.In “Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History,” Dr. William Taylor has crafted a work of immense significance and beauty. It is a testament to the pivotal role that horses have played in human history, and a reminder of the deep connections that bind us to the animal world. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of horses on our shared past and their enduring presence in our cultural imagination.-Dr. Isaac Hart, Resident Director, The American Center for Mongolian Studies.
Reviewer: Susannah Lee Clary
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Interesting, informative, and a joy to read.
Review: This book was a brilliantly narrated story of the history of humans and horses. It was the perfect blend of science, history, and storytelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes history, horses, and science!
Reviewer: Sidd Vicious
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: not horsing around
Review: Very good review of the latest research on the evolution of equines and the development of the mutually beneficial relationship between horses and humans. The author is an active participant in the zooarchaeological community and his account is therefore up to date. He is also a university professor so he is skilled in presenting technical matters to non-specialists. Very informative!
Reviewer: Mary Metzger
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Excellent, well-researched book
Review: The book is well written and researched. The author distilled reams of data into readable prose.
Reviewer: Diederik V.
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Misleading Title: Archeology Not History
Review: This is a basic overview of the archaeological evidence of horse evolution and domestication not a history book on how horses shaped human societies and civilizations. At times, theories are presented as hard fact even though there are other competing hypotheses and counter evidence–the discussions surrounding Botai and the Kurgan theory are a few examples. While the book is generally readable it lacks a sustained narrative quality. Overall though a decent book with some good facts.
Reviewer: Daniel J. Miller
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A GREAT book!
Review: Like the Bronze Age mound graves of early nomadic tribal leaders scattered across the Mongolian Steppe, that he so eloquently describes, Dr. William Taylor’s Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History is a monumental work. Structured into a short Preface that lays out what is to come, and four chapters corresponding to four key stages in the interactions between humans and horses, Dr. Taylor seamlessly weaves together a fascinating tale of the horse; from their evolution to domestication, and the incredible ways that horses have transformed the world and how horses continue to shape relations with people. The first chapter explores the evolution of horses and man’s ancient relationship with horses. In the second chapter, he outlines the process of horse domestication, incorporating new archeological discoveries that he has been involved in. The third chapter provides new information on the emergence of horseback riding and how early nomads astride tough little Mongolian horses transformed Eurasia and led to the steppes becoming centers of trade and empires. In the fourth chapter, the movement of horses out of Central Asia and across the globe is highlighted. In a final short chapter, titled Hoofprints, Dr. Taylor discusses how horses continue to impact our lives and cultures.With numerous maps, figures, and footnotes to the chapters and an extensive Bibliography Hoof Beats will satisfy scholars of archeology and history. The book is also illustrated with numerous delicate drawings by Barbara Morrison. This book will also be of great interest to cowboys and cowgirls, horse trainers, herders and horsemen in Mongolia, nomads in Central Asia and Tibet, and just anyone who is fascinated by horses. If you only buy one book to read this year, Hoof Beats should be it. Your friends and loved ones will love you even more if you give them this as a Christmas or birthday present.Just as the intricately carved deer stones on large slabs of granite by nomadic artists 3,000 years ago on the Mongolian Steppe have survived for thousands of years with ritually sacrificed horse heads and hoofs buried underneath them, Hoof Beats should stand the test of time and be of significance in the future to anyone interested in horses.
Reviewer: rockets
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Wow! If you have been interested in this subject and have gained some knowledge as I have, you’ll still be astounded by the latest research that upends common assumptions and yet, makes more sense. Really sheds a light on the surprisingly short history of this world-changing relationship, especially for us humans. Well written and covers a lot of material without getting too dense. Really moves along. This would be a perfect few days reading for a summer vacation or a trip.
