The Decline and Fall of the Human Empire

‘This is a real corker of a book, beautifully crafted, superbly researched, witty, with lashes of humour, telling the gripping story of why our human species will ultimately go the way of the dinosaurs. Are we all just drug-crazed lemmings willingly racing towards the cliff of extinction? Compulsory reading for all humans, mandatory for politicians. Can we possibly survive? Please tell me, Dr Gee, and tell it to me straight, just how much time have we all got?” –John Long, Professor in Palaeontology at Flinders University and author of The Secret History of Sharks- the Rise of the Ocean’s Most Fearsome Predators

“Wide ranging…enjoyable…A serious but nonetheless entertaining look at the human race’s long-term prospects.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Henry Gee wrote my favourite book of last year and has now written my favourite book of next year. How he manages to expand my mind, and my knowledge of life on earth. while making me giggle at our own forthcoming extinction, well, t’aint natural. Put this at the head of your reading lists immediately, people. Before it’s too late.” –Eric Idle

“Exhilarating … With the witty and conversational style that won him the Royal Society Science Book prize, Henry Gee tackles the existential question of humanity’s future. Measured and enlightening, Henry Gee is a sage.” –Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs

“Like Jared Diamond meets Arthur C. Clarke with a dash of Douglas Adams, this deserves to be widely read and debated.” –Philip Ball, author of How Life Works and Critical Mass

“A fascinating, deeply researched study of our evolutionary journey and a wonderfully enjoyable adventure.” –Michael Bond, author of Wayfinding

“Splendid…presents a familiar tale in absorbing fashion.” - John Gribbin, Literary Review

“The Decline and Fall of the Human Empire is hugely informative and entertaining … I can’t think of another author who could pull off Gee’s straight-talking, detached-yet-jovial style. He is such an amiable guide to our doom.” - Rowan Hooper, The New Scientist

“Bold and insightful … Henry Gee presents a sobering vision of humankind’s future, as intriguing as it is unsettling.” –Adrian Woolfson, Science Journal

“engrossing … addictive … Gee’s book is more than just a monologue on our future. It could well be the ultimate wake up call to action for all of us.” –John Long, The Conversation

HENRY GEE is a senior editor at Nature and the author of several books, including A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth, Jacob’s Ladder, In Search of Deep Time, The Science of Middle-earth, and The Accidental Species. He has appeared on BBC television and radio and NPR’s All Things Considered, and has written for The Guardian, The Times, and BBC Science Focus. He lives in Cromer, Norfolk, England, with his family and numerous pets.