In Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume Two: The Pillars of Civilization, Yuval Noah Harari, David Vandermeulen, and Daniel Casanave adapt Harari’s Sapiens: a Brief History of Humankind. Harari appears as the narrator, leading the reader through interactions with various experts in biology, physiology, chemistry, archaeology, and history as they examine how Homo sapiens mastered agriculture, developed new myths, created civilizations around the world, and what this says about the differences in biology and culture. In describing the rise of complex civilizations amid the agricultural revolution, Harari, Vandermeulen, and Casanave argue, “Anxieties and worries are the building blocks of the state” (p. 78). They continue, “There are twin pillars to every large-scale human order – mythology and… bureaucracy!” (p. 153). Naturally, most of these orders create inequality that uses mythology about supposed divinely-ordained orders to justify the very inequalities they create. In discussing the differences between biological sex and the cultural construction of gender, Harari, Vandermeulen, and Casanave argue, “Things that break the laws of nature just don’t exist. If something does exist, then that means that it complies with the laws of nature!” (p. 218). They conintue, “Most of the laws, norms, rights and obligations that define masculinity and femininity reflect cultural preferences more than biological necessities” (p. 221). Like the first volume, the graphic medium works particularly well for tackling these complex topics in an accessible format for readers of all ages. The creative team never talks down to their audience, but they work to clearly explain each topic and its deeper connection to the overall theme of the book. More to the point, there’s a sense of fun about Sapiens: A Graphic History that increases the accessibility of these topics. ( )

While there's so much interesting information, it is so much better in a book and not a graphic novel which feels too busy

I didn't enjoy this graphic novel as much as volume 1. I did find the information interesting and I like the way it was presented. I just felt like I was getting bogged down in the weeds and the pace was slow at times. It took me much longer to read this book vs. the first book. ( )

I had such high hopes for these graphic novel adaptations, but they just fall flat for me. I don't care for the illustration style, and somehow the fascinating information contained in the original book has been rendered here mind-numbingly dull. Books 3 and 4 have not yet been published, but I don't think I'm going to continue with the series when they are. Disappointing. ( )

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