About the Author

Dr David Darling is an astronomer, freelance science writer and creator of one of the most popular online encyclopaedias of space and astrobiology. He is the author of numerous works, including the bestselling Equations of Eternity. Dr Dirk Schulze-Makuch is currently an Associate Professor in Astrobiology at Washington State University. His research has been widely published in media ranging from academic journals to The New Scientist.

Reviews

A hearty dose of knowledge seasoned with humor... Clear and informative, this book is recommended for all readers of popular science.-- "Library Journal"

A mix of good old-fashioned silliness and some fine science writing. Next time someone tells you, Cheer up, it might never happen, throw this book at them.-- "BBC Focus"

A surprisingly cheerful look at the science of how humanity might meet a messy end, from incurable diseases to exploding stars. Who says reading about the end of the world needs to be grim?-- "Chad Orzel"

Accessible and entertaining... Brings often complex and abstract threats frighteningly to life.-- "Financial Times"

Curiously pleasurable... this will help you get your everday problems into perspective.-- "The Independent"

Fascinating, if sometimes macabre ... A fabulous book that got better with every page - I couldn't put it down!-- "Debra Fischer - Professor of Astronomy at Yale University"

Impressive... Reminds us that the air of reassuring omnipotence that our leaders like to project is mere illusion.-- "The Wall Street Journal"

Nicely written, thoroughly researched, highly recommended. Doomsday is already marked in the calendar.-- "Alberto Fairen - Research Scientist at the SETI Institute"

Splendid! Stimulating, entertaining, and scientifically plausible.-- "Adam Hart-Davis"

Surprisingly good fun. Editor's Pick.-- "The Bookseller"

The entertaining selection of end-of-the world scenarios is the perfect excuse to learn about science, from the atomic to the galactic and from the terrestrial to the extra-terrestrial.Specially recommended for those who think that the end of humankind cannot cheer you up.-- "Alfonso Davila - Senior Scientist at the SETI Institute and Principal Investigator at the Carl Sagan"