The perception of the Neanderthal has changed dramatically, but despite growing scientific curiosity, popular culture fascination, and a wealth of coverage in the media and Sykes asks are we getting the whole story? Join us when Rebecca Wragg Sykes shares her complex and fascinating research on the reality of 21st century Neanderthals which remains virtually unknown and inaccessible outside the scientific literature, on this installment of Leoanrd Lopate at Large. Since their discovery 150 years ago, Neanderthals have gone from the losers of the human family tree to A-list hominins. Above all, they were successful survivors for more than 300,000 years, during times of massive climatic upheaval. She reveals them to be curious, clever connoisseurs of their world, technologically inventive and ecologically adaptable. Kindred does for Neanderthals what Sapiens did for us, revealing a deeper, more nuanced story where humanity itself is our ancient, shared inheritance.Rebecca Wragg Sykes uses her experience at the cutting-edge of Palaeolithic research to share our new understanding of Neanderthals, shoving aside clichés of rag-clad brutes in an icy wasteland. Planning, co-operation, altruism, craftsmanship, aesthetic sense, imagination, perhaps even a desire for transcendence beyond mortality.

The book has three 'positive' reviews and eight 'rave' reviews according to review aggregator Book Marks. Much of what defines us was also in Neanderthals, and their DNA is still inside us. Kindred: Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art is a 2020 book by Rebecca Wragg Sykes that examines Neanderthals. Above all, they were successful survivors for more than 300,000 years, during times of massive climatic upheaval. In Kindred, Neanderthal expert Rebecca Wragg Sykes shoves aside the clich of the shivering ragged figure in an icy wasteland, and reveals the Neander. Since their discovery more than 160 years ago, Neanderthals have metamorphosed from the losers of the human family tree to A-list hominins.Rebecca Wragg Sykes uses her experience at the cutting-edge of Palaeolithic research to share our new understanding of Neanderthals, shoving aside cliches of rag-clad brutes in an icy wasteland. Kindred is the definitive guide to the Neanderthals. 'Important reading not just for anyone interested in these ancient cousins of ours, but also for anyone interested in humanity.' Yuval Noah Harari Beautiful, evocative, authoritative.' Professor Brian Cox

Rebecca wragg sykes kindred