(and?) the adventure of mankind, ...rises (rise?)

[ironman2012]

Hi,

In social and economic as in international affairs we are in the dawn of a great constructive effort. The story of life, which began inestimable millions of years ago, the adventure of mankind, which was already afoot half a million years ago, rises to a crisis in the immense interrogation of today.

(This comes from The Outline of History H. G. Wells.)

Is it to correct to read the blue part as "The story of life, which (the antecedent is "the story of life") began inestimable millions of years ago, the adventure of mankind, which (the antecedent is "the adventure of mankind") was already afoot half a million years ago, rises to a crisis in the immense interrogation of today", that is, "The story of life, the adventure of mankind, rises to a crisis in the immense interrogation of today"?

If yes, should an "and" be added and "rises" be changed to "rise"? That is, The story of life, and the adventure of mankind, rises to a crisis in the immense interrogation of today"?

Thanks in advance!

 

[grassy]

Your parsing is correct but I don't think it's a good to idea to correct a respectable author. I presume it was written that way to show that the story of life and the adventure of mankind are closely connected.