Life's Edge

This book is not just about life, but about discovery itself. It is about error and hubris, but also about wonder and the reach of science. And it is bookended with the ultimate question: How do we define the thing that defines us? – Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Gene * New York Times *Profound, lyrical, and fascinating, Life’s Edge will give you a newfound appreciation for life itself. It is the work of a master science writer at the height of his skills – a welcome gift at a time when life seems more precious than ever. – Ed Yong, author of I Contain MultitudesA fascinating and well-written mapping of the edges of biology, which will have broad appeal to nonscientists. * Library Journal (starred review) *Diligently tackles the true definition of life … Zimmer invites us to observe, ponder, and celebrate life’s exquisite diversity, nuances, and ultimate unity. * Booklist (starred review) *A master science writer explores the definition of life … An ingenious case that the answers to life’s secrets are on the horizon. * Kirkus Reviews *A pop science tour de force. * Publisher’s Weekly *Carl Zimmer shows what a great suspense novel science can be. Life’s Edge is a timely exploration in an age when modern Dr. Frankensteins are hard at work, but Carl’s artful, vivid, irresistible writing transcends the moment in these twisting chapters of intellectual revelation. Prepare to be enthralled. – Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Laureate, co-author of A Crack in Creation

Carl Zimmer writes the Matter column for the New York Times and has frequently contributed to the Atlantic, National Geographic, Time, and Scientific American. He has won the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Science Journalism Award three times, among a host of other awards and fellowships. He teaches science writing at Yale, has been a guest on NPR’s RadioLab, Science Friday, and Fresh Air, and maintains an international speaking schedule. He is the author of thirteen books about science, including She Has Her Mother’s Laugh, which was shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize in 2018.