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Title: Well-argued and accessible, but not Pulitzer material
Review: Jared Diamond is no genius, but his argument is coherent, convincing, and timely. He brings scientific expertise and outside perspectives from the realms of botany, zoology, geography, and anthropology to the field of history. The theory of environmental determinism which he generally supports is nothing new, and many have elaborated on it before, but his global scope and willingness to reach back into prehistory for evidence is commendable. A very readable and important book, but with a mediocre writing style and a somewhat sloppy and unfocused structure, I don't believe it deserved the Pulitzer prize. Read it anyway if you have little background in history.
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