"The great leap in genetic analysis of late has meant that the story of how one language left the steppes of Ukraine and became the earth's dominant language family has become clearer and more exciting than ever before. Hooray for a book where the author's curiosity, diligence, and literary craft gets it all down in what will stand as the go-to source for a generation." --John McWhorter, author of THE LANGUAGE HOAX

"In this thought-provoking book Laura Spinney shows how recent advances in genetics and archaeological discoveries have thrown new light on the history of the Indo-European languages that a great part of the world now speaks ... A lively and fascinating account of how these languages split from their root, developed in different ways, mingled with each other, crossed tracks, flourished and died. I loved it!" --David Bellos, author of IS THAT A FISH IN YOUR EAR?

"Proto is a real detective story told with a compelling combination of academic rigour, human interest, vivid description, and personal biography. A tour de force." --David Crystal, author of A DATE WITH LANGUAGE

"Formidably researched but lightly written, I put down this book with the pleasurable sense that the world around me had become a little stranger and richer." --Helen Gordon, author of NOTES FROM DEEP TIME

"Superb. With style and panache, Laura Spinney tells a truly extraordinary detective story." --Matt Ridley, author of THE EVOLUTION OF EVERYTHING

"This beautifully researched and written book is about far more than language; it is a history of the world in microcosm, drawing together a diversity of subjects from genetics and religion to warfare and boozing. I highly recommend this wholly absorbing book." --Douglas Preston, author of #1 New York Times bestselling THE LOST CITY OF THE MONKEY GOD

"Spinney charts an extraordinary journey through human history with words as a compass. It is a sweeping story beautifully told. Profound and illuminating." --Moudhy Al-Rashid, author of BETWEEN TWO RIVERS