Paradise: A history of the idea that rules the world Rushby, Kevin

Kevin Rushby tracks humanity's oldest obsession: the search for paradise. From the Garden of Eden to Shangri-La, from colonial explorers hunting earthly utopias to modern resort developers selling prefab bliss, this is a sweeping history of how the paradise myth has shaped empires, religions, and revolutions. Rushby weaves together theology, travel writing, and cultural criticism, showing how the promise of a perfect place — whether spiritual or geographical — has driven wars, justified slavery, and fueled environmental destruction. He visits the sites where paradise was supposedly found: remote islands, mountain monasteries, gated communities. The writing is sharp and often darkly funny, exposing how paradise became a tool of power. For readers who loved "Sapiens" or enjoy big-idea histories that challenge comfortable narratives, this is a brilliant dismantling of our most dangerous fantasy.