A breakthrough theory that tools and technology are the real drivers of human evolution. Although humans are one of the great apes, along with chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, we are remarkably different from them. Unlike our cousins who subsist on raw food, spend their days and nights outdoors, and wear a thick coat of hair, humans are entirely dependent on artificial things, such as clothing, shelter, and the use of tools, and would die in nature without them. Yet, despite our status as the weakest ape, we are the masters of this planet. Given these inherent deficits, how did humans come out on top? In this fascinating new account of our origins, leading archaeologist Timothy Taylor proposes a new way of thinking about human evolution through our relationship with objects. Drawing on the latest fossil evidence, Taylor argues that at each step of our species' development, humans made choices that caused us to assume greater control of our evolution. Our appropriation of objects allowed us to walk upright, lose our body hair, and grow significantly larger brains. As we push the frontiers of scientific technology, creating prosthetics, intelligent implants, and artificially modified genes, we continue a process that started in the prehistoric past, when we first began to extend our powers through objects. Weaving together lively discussions of major discoveries of human skeletons and artifacts with a reexamination of Darwin's theory of evolution, Taylor takes us on an exciting and challenging journey that begins to answer the fundamental question about our existence: what makes humans unique, and what does that mean for our future?

This book contains the letters of one hundred years ago that passed between Dr. James Newton Matthews of Mason, Illinois, and the well-known Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley. Also included in this volume are sixteen letters to Dr. Matthews from Paul Laurence Dunbar, an early African American poet who has received much recent attention.

This collection of fifteen essays presents the views of some of the world's most distinguished economists on what is emerging as the central topic of the twenty-first century: long-term economic growth.

Former US Open Champion Timothy Taylor presents weapons for Black against the hugely popular Spanish Opening, basing his repertoire on the Modern Steinitz Defence. This opening can lead to razor-sharp lines, such as the Siesta Variation, where one slip by either player could prove to be fatal. But a major attraction of the Modern Steinitz is its flexibility, as Black can also choose to play in a more positional manner. Taylor studies in depth the critical main lines, and also what to do if White avoids these. Read this book and be ready to slay the Spanish!

It was the chess legend Philidor who wrote: 'The pawns are the soul of chess', and yet it is these modest infantrymen who are always the first to die for the cause. Pawn sacrifices are incredibly common in chess games, and yet for some unknown reason they have been rather neglected in chess literature... until now.In this pioneering work, Timothy Taylor carries out an in-depth study of this significant subject. Using an abundance of instructive examples, Taylor uncovers the secrets of pawn sacrifices, highlighting the many reasons for their success, indicating the ideal situations in which pawn sacrifices work, as well as showing positions in which they are not so effective. The ability to handle pawn sacrifices is one of the most important skills in chess, and enhancing this skill will undoubtedly improve your understanding and results. This book will show you how to do this. *An enlightening and entertaining guide to pawn sacrifices*Covers essential tactical and positional ideas*Written by a battle-hardened professional player

This collection of fifteen essays presents the views of some of the world's most distinguished economists on what is emerging as the central topic of the twenty-first century: long-term economic growth.

The Budapest Gambit is an ambitious and adventurous opening for Black, who offers a pawn as early as the second move in return for active and rapid development. It has always been a particular favourite at club level, where it still provides a surprise weapon, but it has also been utilized with success by top-class Grandmasters. In this book Timothy Taylor offers an in-depth study of the Budapest Gambit. He presents up-to-date analysis, makes recommendations for Black and White, and covers the typical plans for both sides. This book provides everything you need to know about this fascinating opening.

The King's Indian and the Grunfeld are two of Black's most popular answers to 1 d4; unsurprising given that they were long-time favourites of chess legends Garry Kasparov and, before him, Bobby Fischer. Brimming with complexity and dynamism, these two openings often leave those playing White scratching their heads wondering how to squeeze even the slightest of advantages out of the opening and, just as crucially, how to avoid becoming swamped in a morass of complicated theory.
It's time for White to strike back! In this book, Timothy Taylor gets to grips with the King's Indian and Grunfeld, providing White with a number of easy-to-learn and effective weapons which are specially designed to cause Black maximum discomfort. Taylor examines the typical tactical and positional ideas for both players, highlighting the tricks and pitfalls one must look out for. A study of this book will allow the reader to battle against the King's Indian and the Grunfeld with renewed confidence.
*Written by a renowned openings expert
*Weapons against two of Black's most popular defences
*Ideal for club and tournament players
International Master Timothy Taylor is an experienced tournament player who has enjoyed several notable successes, including winning the US Open. He is also a skilled chess writer, one of his previous books, "How to Defeat the Smith-Morra Gambit," becoming a US Chess Federation bestseller. This is his second book for Everyman Chess; his first was "Bird's Opening,"
Outside of chess, he is the author of two published novels, "Elaine the Fair" and "Amanda," while he directed the film "Wicked Pursuits,"

Former US Open Champion Timothy Taylor presents an attacking repertoire for White against the most popular opening in chess - the Sicilian Defence. His repertoire is based first and foremost on the Open Sicilian, which is generally regarded as White's most aggressive and challenging response. Taylor constructs an armoury which contains a potent mix of mainline and offbeat weapons. He examines the most important games, studies in depth the main plans and tactics for both sides, and highlights key practical issues. Read this book and you will be ready to slay the Sicilian! *Presents a Sicilian repertoire for White *Covers all the main variations *Ideal for improvers, club players and tournament players

Bird's Opening is an underrated and dynamic choice for White that immediately directs the game into relatively unexplored territory, setting Black players early problems and forcing them to think for themselves rather than having the luxury of relying on the theory of more mainstream openings. It's also a very flexible option that can lead to both sharp gambit play, such as the notorious From's Gambit, as well as quieter positional lines.
In this book International Master Timothy Taylor unearths the secrets of Bird's Opening and its many deviations. Using illustrative games, he examines tactical and positional ideas for both colors and recommends the best paths in both the 'main lines' and the lesser-trodden paths. A study of this book will give the reader the required knowledge and confidence to play the Bird's Opening with either color.
*Written by a Bird's Opening expert
*A complete up-to-date survey on an active chess opening
*Ideal for club and tournament players

Former US Open Champion Timothy Taylor draws upon his wealth of personal experience to offer an instructive and entertaining account of how to improve your chess. This book is awash with invaluable advice on all stages of the game. Taylor emphasizes the practical aspects of chess: how to really make the most of your ability; how to win at all costs; and how to absorb the lessons of defeat to come back stronger. Grab every advantage over your opponents and be in the best possible shape for battle. True Combat Chess will show you the way.

Former US Open Champion Timothy Taylor takes a contemporary look at one of Black's most ambitious counters to 1 e4, the Alekhine Defence. This is a sharp, creative opening in which Black attacks from the very beginning, luring White's central pawns forward in the expectation of destroying them later on. In this book Taylor constructs a practical repertoire for Black, ideal for the modern-day player. All the key tactical and positional ideas are covered and important move-order nuances are highlighted. This book provides everything you need to know in order to play the Alekhine with confidence.