Should I read a human history book before I read "Guns, Germs, and Steel"?

Jump right in.

Jared Diamond writes in an easy,accessible style (as history books go!),and there is some explaining as he goes.

In some ways,it's as much a science book as a history book.

Any background you have will obviously enhance your understanding,but it isn't essential.

There are a lot of "heavy" concepts,but the secret is not to try and read more than you can digest.

If you're used to textbooks,it will be child's play.

If not,just remember to put it down the moment your head starts to ache and you'll be fine!

"Guns, Germs, and Steel" is just one point of view of how history developed. It is a fashionable view- which does not mean it is a correct one. Of course it also does not mean it is fake.

my best advice would be to choose a specific topic and research it from as many sources as you can reach. Then discuss it with as many people as you can (find smart and unbiased ones) and do some thinking- like "does it all add up" and "does this make sense"

the fact that someone calls himself "scientist" or "professor" does not mean he/she/it is always right (or wrong)

Ain't history fun?

Go ahead and read it - it might lead you to other history books you like as well. Try "Of Plagues and Peoples" too - about how diseases changed the political maps of the world throughout history.

I read it quite a few years ago, and I felt that the background knowledge I had was sufficient. Have fun with the book!