New book by Heath Henning
Is It Human: Assessing the Homo naledi Debate (2025)
I have closely followed the Homo naledi discovery since its initial announcement on September 10, 2015. After a decade of meticulous research and critical analysis, I am thrilled to announce the official release of this comprehensive work. This book represents ten years of dedicated investigation into one of the most provocative paleoanthropological claims of our time—and now, it is finally available to the public.
From the Back Cover:
The discovery of Homo naledi captivated both the scientific community and the broader public, as it was heralded as a finding that could reshape the story of human evolution. In this thought-provoking analysis, the author examines the competing interpretations and underlying assumptions that have shaped the debate surrounding Homo naledi.
Rather than a purely scientific assessment, this book takes a historical approach—tracing the debate over how both evolutionists and creationists have struggled to classify Homo naledi. By engaging with the various viewpoints, it offers a more comprehensive perspective on how both sides have contributed to the discussion.
This book explores key questions such as: How should anatomical morphology factor into classification? To what extent should inferred behavior influence taxonomic decisions? Why are the conclusions of the controversial figure Lee Berger so frequently questioned by his colleagues? And how do philosophical worldviews shape interpretations of paleoanthropological data?
The story of Homo naledi is far from settled, yet much of the public only hears a carefully curated version of the debate. This book invites readers to look beyond the headlines and critically examine the evidence, the arguments, and the assumptions that shape our understanding of the past. By reassessing the Homo naledi controversy, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the complexities of paleoanthropology and the broader implications of how history is interpreted.
Is It Human: Assessing the Homo naledi Debate (299 pages) by Heath Henning. Available here.
Also see my updated article, “The Skull of Homo naledi.” Due to copyright restrictions, I was unable to include visual illustrations in the book. However, the images presented in the article clearly demonstrate that a significant misrepresentation has occurred in the official reports concerning Homo naledi.