An Atheist's History of Belief: Understanding Our Most Extraordinary Invention

The atheist’s poetic synopsis of the history of spirituality and religion from the Man Booker shortlisted author of English Passengers

What first prompted prehistoric man, sheltering in the shadows of deep caves, to call upon the realm of the spirits? And why has belief thrived since, shaping thousands of generations of shamans, pharaohs, Aztec priests and Mayan rulers, Jews, Buddhists, Christians, Nazis, and Scientologists?

As our dreams and nightmares have changed over the millennia, so hav...