Apocalypse

‘Lizzie Wade is an exceptional journalist and a master storyteller. In Apocalypse, she peels back the many myths of the present to reveal the true stories of past apocalypses and, perhaps more important, what happened afterward. She reminds us that survival always has been, and still is, possible.’

Ed Yong, author of An Immense World

‘A timely examination of catastrophes that humanity has faced through history. There are lessons, warnings and solace to be drawn from this deep time perspective on the existential challenges facing us today.’

Alice Roberts, author of Ancestors: The Prehistory of Britain in Seven Burials

‘This book upended my understanding of the ancient world. Wade renders our deep past in vivid prose, showing us that times of great rupture also bring great possibilities for new ways of living, if we let them. Apocalypse is the best kind of history book: vibrant and vital.’

Zoë Schlanger, author of The Light Eaters

‘A fascinating dive into the tragedies — and comebacks — of those that came before us. Lizzie Wade combines detailed research with clear writing to bring these historical events to life — they’re stories that will stick with me for a long time.’

Hannah Ritchie, author of Not the End of the World

‘Lizzie Wade’s vivid descriptions bring the latest archaeological research to life in this fascinating and timely book. Despite its sobering subject matter, Apocalypse is ultimately an inspiring read, revealing how lessons from past crises can help us survive the looming apocalypse, which is likely to be the greatest challenge our species has ever encountered.’

Jonathan Kennedy, author of Pathogenesis

‘This book tells the grim story of how our species has bounced from one apocalypse to the next catastrophe. The good news is that, through human ingenuity, we survived – and there is much we can learn from how our ancestors managed these natural catastrophes.’

Robin Dunbar, Professor of Evolutionary Psychology, University of Oxford

Lizzie Wade is a science journalist based in Mexico City who has written about archaeology and anthropology for Science, The Atlantic, Slate, The New York Times, Aeon and others. Apocalypse is her first book.