Overview

"Joining the ranks of popular science classics like The Botany of Desire and The Selfish Gene, a groundbreaking, wondrously informative, and vastly entertaining examination of the most significant revolution in biology since Darwin--a ""microbe's-eye view"" of the world that reveals a marvelous, radically reconceived picture of life on earth. Every animal, whether human, squid, or wasp, is home to millions of bacteria and other microbes. Ed Yong, whose humor is as evident as his erudition, prompts us to look at ourselves and our animal companions in a new light--less as individuals and more as the interconnected, interdependent multitudes we assuredly are. The microbes in our bodies are part of our immune systems and protect us from disease. In the deep oceans, mysterious creatures without mouths or guts depend on microbes for all their energy. Bacteria provide squid with invisibility cloaks, help beetles to bring down forests, and allow worms to cause diseases that afflict millions of people. Many people think of microbes as germs to be eradicated, but those that live with us--the microbiome--build our bodies, protect our health, shape our identities, and grant us incredible abilities. In this astonishing book, Ed Yong takes us on a grand tour through our microbial partners, and introduces us to the scientists on the front lines of discovery. It will change both our view of nature and our sense of where we belong in it."

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9781504734479

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Reviews

Narrator Charlie Anson brings out the dry humor in British science journalist Ed Yong's fascinating and accessible treatise...Anson also does admirably pronouncing the many scientific names and words, and his smooth and lively delivery helps keep listeners from getting bogged down...Perhaps what Yong and Anson communicate most effectively is the palpable joy of discovery and an appreciation for the secret and intricate workings of our world, which we're still only beginning to understand. -- AudioFile Yong makes a superb case for his position by interviewing numerous scientists and presenting their fascinating work in an accessible and persuasive fashion. -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Excels at objectively navigating the large body of research related to the microbiome without overselling its curative potential or sacrificing any of the deliciously icky details. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Weaves revelatory anecdotes and cutting-edge reporting into an elegant, illuminating page-turner. -- Minneapolis Star Tribune A delightful, witty book. Yong vividly describes the intricate alliances forged by microbes with every other organism on the planet. -- Science An excellent, vivid introduction to the all-enveloping realm of our secret sharers. -- New York Times Book Review Offer[s] engrossing-and gross-details about how an invisible world shapes our species...[with] facts presented in graceful, accessible prose....And he's funny. -- Wall Street Journal

Offer[s] engrossing-and gross-details about how an invisible world shapes our species...[with] facts presented in graceful, accessible prose....And he's funny. -- Wall Street Journal An excellent, vivid introduction to the all-enveloping realm of our secret sharers. -- New York Times Book Review A delightful, witty book. Yong vividly describes the intricate alliances forged by microbes with every other organism on the planet. -- Science Weaves revelatory anecdotes and cutting-edge reporting into an elegant, illuminating page-turner. -- Minneapolis Star Tribune Excels at objectively navigating the large body of research related to the microbiome without overselling its curative potential or sacrificing any of the deliciously icky details. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Yong makes a superb case for his position by interviewing numerous scientists and presenting their fascinating work in an accessible and persuasive fashion. -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Narrator Charlie Anson brings out the dry humor in British science journalist Ed Yong's fascinating and accessible treatise...Anson also does admirably pronouncing the many scientific names and words, and his smooth and lively delivery helps keep listeners from getting bogged down...Perhaps what Yong and Anson communicate most effectively is the palpable joy of discovery and an appreciation for the secret and intricate workings of our world, which we're still only beginning to understand. -- AudioFile

Author Information

Ed Yong is an award-winning science writer on the staff of the Atlantic. His blog Not Exactly Rocket Science is hosted by National Geographic magazine, and his work has appeared in the New Yorker, Wired, the New York Times, Nature, New Scientist, Scientific American, the Guardian, the Times, Discover, Slate, and other publications. He lives in London and Washington, DC. Charlie Anson is a television, film, and voice actor known for his roles on the series Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders. He is a recipient of the prestigious Audie Award for best narration.

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