Luke Kemp’s book, “The Curse of Goliath,” billed as a radical reinterpretation of human history through the lens of societal collapse, has been critically assessed by José Carlos Fernandes. Fernandes’s review suggests the book does not fully deliver on its ambitious premise. The work proposes a new understanding of historical events by focusing on instances of collapse, but the critique indicates a lack of substantial impact. The review implies a disconnect between the book’s marketing and its actual content. While aiming for a groundbreaking analysis, the book appears to offer a less transformative perspective than advertised. Fernandes’ assessment provides a cautionary note for readers expecting a truly radical shift in historical understanding.