Just like the previous one (Sapiens), this book is an eye-opener. You don't need to have read the previous one, as the main point are covered enough toenable you to follow the new arguments. same remarks as for the previous book: excellent read. It is history, economics, borderline philosophy, but reads like a thriller and is duly documented, as a scientific work (about 25% of the book is taken up by the references). So highly recommended.