Explore the profound linguistic journey that shaped nearly half the world's population in Proto: A New History of Our Ancient Past by acclaimed journalist Laura Spinney. This revelatory work traces the story of the single ancient language—a proto tongue—that exploded five millennia ago, spreading east and west to form the basis of modern Indo-European languages. Discover the echoes of this ancient ancestor in words used across vastly different cultures today.

Spinney takes readers on an extensive journey across the steppe, through the Caucasus, the Silk Roads, and the Hindu Kush, following the ancient nomads, monks, and warriors who were instrumental in spreading these tongues. The book synthesizes findings from contemporary linguists, archaeologists, and geneticists racing to reconstruct this lost world, offering vital lessons relevant to our modern era of global movement.

• Investigates the history and spread of the ancient proto-language that evolved into modern Indo-European languages.
• Features travel and research alongside modern experts in linguistics, archaeology, and genetics.
• Offers a portrait of world history told through the evolution of language.
• Acclaimed as a 'magisterial feat' by New Scientist and a 'Best Book of 2025' by The Guardian, New Statesman, Prospect, and Waterstones.

• Author: Laura Spinney
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Language: English
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publication Date: May 7, 2026
• Publisher: William Collins
• ISBN-13: 978-0008626563
• Dimensions: 129 x 26 x 198mm
• Weight: 160 g

Proto provides essential reading for anyone interested in the deep history of human civilization, language evolution, and the interconnectedness of ancient cultures.