I have been told repeatedly that if I am creating a new world for role-playing, this book should be required reading.  In this ambitious book, Jared Diamond lays out the foundations for why some societies came to dominate others.  It is important to note that this book covers more than just the recent domination of Western Europe from ~1500 AD.

The question of why some societies come to dominate others is one that is difficult to ask.  Even asking the question can lead to charges of racism.  If one race (say whites) were able to thrive and develop a sophisticated society in an environment where another race (say Aboriginal Australians) lived as hunter-gatherers for nearly 40,000 years, doesn’t that indicate a fault with the aborigines?  One cannot deny the historical fact that when Europeans arrived in Australia they possessed more sophisticated technology, were more numerous, and far more Aborigines died of European diseases than vice versa.  In this book Jared Diamond provides an explanation that has nothing to do with the races in question or perceived differences – instead, his explanation is based on geography and historical distribution of animals and crops that make farming possible. 

Guy Montague
Male half-elf psion (telepath) 4/ psychic warrior 2/ fighter 2: CR 8; Medium humanoid (elf, human); Hit Dice 2d10+2d8+4d4+18; 52 hp; Init -1; Spd 30 ft. (6 squares); AC 18 (-1 Dex, +6 Armor, +3 Shield), 9 touch, 18 flat-footed; BAB/Grapple +5/+7; Atk +8 melee (1d6+2/x4, masterwork heavy pick) or +7 melee (1d4+2/19-20x2, dagger) or +4 ranged (1d4+2/19-20x2, dagger); Full atk +8 melee (1d6+2/x4, heavy pick) or +7 melee (1d4+2/19-20x2, dagger) or +4 ranged (1d4+2/19-20x2, dagger); SA psionics; SQ +2 racial bonus on saves vs. enchantment spells and magical effects, immunity to sleep spells and magical effects, low-light vision; AL LE; SV Fort +8, Reflex +0, Will +6; Str 15, Dex 8, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats: Autohypnosis +3, Bluff +5, Climb +6, Concentration +11, Diplomacy +2, Gather Information +4, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +6, Jump +6, Knowledge (psionics) +6, Listen +3, Search +3, Sense Motive +4, Speak Language +1, Spot +3; Combat Expertise, Improved Feint, Improved Trip, Narrow Mind, Psionic Body, Psionic Meditation, Psionic Weapon, Speed of Thought.
Languages: Common, Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Halfling