This is an outstanding overview of the history of the Earth from a unique planetary perspective for introductory courses in the earth sciences. The book approaches Earth history as an evolution, encompassing the origin of the cosmos through the inner working of living cells. Earth: Evolution of a Habitable World tells how the Earth has come to its present state, why it differs from its neighboring planets, what life's place is in Earth's history, and how humanity affects the processes that make our planet liveable. Today's human influences are contemplated in the context of natural changes on Earth. The text considers the burning issues in our quest to understand the Earth. It shows how the myriad disciplines of science are interwoven to understand our world and its sister planets. It points the way to how science and engineering must be applied to today's challenges if humankind is to have a promising future on Earth. This book brings a fresh perspective to the study of the Earth for students who wish to learn how our planet evolved to its present form.