For those who came in late, Jared Diamond’s the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Guns, Germs and Steel. Its awesome – a readable non-fiction book that explains just how the Conquistadors did their thang so easily, and how the geography of Europe determined the dominance of its citizens.

PBS just recently screened their adaptation of the book. What it lacks in depth (it doesn’t go into details on immunology and such) – it makes up for with new details – such as showing the first town ever – and makes an excellent companion piece to the book.

Guns, Germs.. came out several years ago, and what MacAruthur Genius Grant winner would just be sitting around resting on their laurels? He’s been busy writing his new book, Collapse – How societies choose to fail or survive.

Want an idea of what’s covered in his new book? Then listen to his recent seminar at the Long Now Foundation.