Sapiens: A Graphic History, Vol. 3—The Masters of History

What drives human history? Chance, conflict, cyclical patterns, empire building, money, religion—or something else? In this graphic-novel adaptation of Harari’s seminal book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (this is the third volume of the graphic history), these factors, depicted as contestants, battle it out in a game show. Each factor claims to be “Master of History” and makes their case before a panel of experts: a theologian, anthropologist, biologist, and historian. Glimpses into the past, excerpts from imaginary comic books, “commercial breaks,” and a rowdy studio audience make the presentation lively, while imperious diva-glamorous host Heroda Tush (likely an allusion to Greek historian Herodotus) keeps audiences engaged with the challenge. Which contestant will win? Harari, Vandermeulen, and Casanave provide a fresh and entertaining way of engaging with history, which can be appreciated by readers of the previous volumes as well as by those new to the Sapiens books. Casanave’s cartoonish, semi-realistic color art suffuses our forebears with modern yet universal incentives to live comfortably, raise families, trust their governments, and understand their world.