This book develops an economic theory of the entirety of human evolution, presenting a Malthusian growth-theoretic framework to explore the origins of the human species and the development of human society across the prehistoric, agricultural, industrial and modern eras. Early members of our genus Homo emerged over 2 million years ago, gradually evolving into Homo sapiens about 300,000 years ago. During most of their existence, early modern humans were hunter-gatherers and shared this planet with archaic humans, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. So, how did Homo sapiens emerge? Why did other human species become extinct while early modern humans survived? Why do modern humans still carry DNA from archaic humans? What caused the transition of human society from hunter-gatherer tribes to agricultural settlements and the subsequent development from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy? And how has education affected the emergence of innovation and given rise to the progression from pre-industrial stagnation to economic growth in the modern era? By addressing these fundamental questions through an economic lens, the book reveals the manifold influences that have shaped the unique trajectory of our species. "Chu offers a brilliant synthesis of economic growth theory and evolutionary biology, establishing a dynamic framework that extends unified growth theory into the realm of human evolutionary processes. This insightful work navigates the complex interplay between biological adaptations and economic forces, from the earliest days of the Homo species to the intricacies of modern economies ... His analysis broadens the scope of evolutionary economics and deepens our understanding of how these economic mechanisms have shaped human societies across millennia. Chu's narrative is a compelling invitation to reevaluate conventional economic theories, highlighting the role of natural selection and economic principles in shaping our past and influencing our future. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of economics, history, and biology and stands as a significant contribution to the literature." Guido Cozzi University of St. Gallen "An intriguing and thought-provoking theoretical perspective on the evolution of the human species, shedding light on the emergence of our species and its transformative journey over the course of history." Oded Galor Brown University author of The Journey of Humanity "An extraordinary synthesis of evolutionary biology and economic theory, Angus C Chu's Human Origins and Evolution in a Malthusian Economy offers a groundbreaking perspective on humanity's journey from prehistoric hunter-gatherers to industrialized societies. Through a sophisticated growth-theoretic lens, Chu masterfully unpacks the critical transitions that define human history, from brain evolution and migration to agricultural and industrial revolutions. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the economic forces that have shaped — and continue to shape — our species." Aditya Goenka University of Birmingham "Angus Chu brilliantly fleshes out the core of human development from the hunter-gatherer era through to the Neolithic Revolution, which eventuated into the Industrial Revolution and the modern growth regime. This is achieved without resorting to long complicated derivations and involved discussions. The chapters are short and clear, with sharp introductions and conclusions, and human development is analysed in chronological order through economic development. The book is an excellent resource for courses in economic growth that need a short introduction to the essence of economic development before moving onto unified growth models of the fertility transition and neoclassical and endogenous growth models. The book will also have general appeal to non-specialist students and academics who are interested in human accomplishment in the ultra-long run." Jakob Madsen University of Western Australia "[A]n outstanding account of the evolution of human life ... a highly readable and easily accessible book containing cutting-edge macroeconomic tools. It is essential reading for those with an interest in the issues of the historical evolution of human society and the factors explaining its development." Sushanta Mallick Queen Mary University of London "A pioneering exploration of human evolution through the lens of economic theory. A compelling read for anyone at the crossroads of economics, paleoanthropology and evolutionary biology. This book offers innovative perspectives on human evolution and population dynamics, making it a must-read for anyone at the crossroads of economics, evolutionary biology and paleoanthropology." Sasha Talavera University of Birmingham Angus C Chu was born in Hong Kong and studied at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia, Canada. He obtained his PhD in Economics from the University of