Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe

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Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe

About this Book

Format:Hardcover

Dimensions:333 Pages, 15.5 x 23.5 x 0 CM

Published:January 14, 2000

Publisher:Springer

The following ISBNs are associated with this title:
ISBN - 10:0387987010
ISBN - 13:9780387987019

From Our Editors

We`ve always believed that we are not alone in the universe, that if the conditions necessary for complex life exist here on Earth then they must exist in numerous other places. Scientists Peter D. Ward and Donald Brownlee boldly refute this assumption with their extraordinary work, Rare Earth. They assert that though life is common throughout the universe, the possibility of complex life coming to fruition is so rare that we may actually be unique. This book presents a well-balanced, cogent argument that anyone interested in our place in the universe should read.

From the Publisher

In this exciting new book, distinguished paleontologist Peter D. Ward and noted astronomer Donald Brownlee team up to present a fascinating synthesis of what is now known about the development of life on Earth and how this sheds light on possibilities for organic life forms elsewhere in the Universe. With their broad expertise and wonderful descriptive imagery, the authors provide a compelling argument, a splendid introduction to the emerging field of astrobiology, and a lively discussion of the remarkable findings that are currently being generated.

From the Critics

From the reviews
..." Their paradoxical finding ... has hit the world of astrobiologists like a killer asteroid ..."
"New York Newsday"
"Now, two prominent scientists say the conventional wisdom is wrong. The alien search, they add, is likely to fail ... "Rare Earth..".is producing whoops of criticism and praise...(some) call it ''brilliant'' and ''courageous''."
"The New York Times"
"Its brilliant ... courageous ... It''s rare in literature and science that a stance goes so far against the grain."
"Dr. Geoffrey W. Marcy, UC at Berkeley (Quoted in the NY" "TIMES)"
The author says
..." there could be billions of of planets with intelligent, alien species. It''s a breathtaking concept. But is it credible? In our book "Rare Earth," Don Brownlee and I argue that even the simplest forms of animal life are exeedingly rare in our Galaxy, and in the Universe beyond."
"Peter Ward, New Scientist"

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Average Customer Rating:
Reviews from the Community2 Reviews

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Chris Simpson
Well-reasoned arguments

9 years ago

The authors present a meticulously detailed, step-by-step explanation of why they believe that complex life in the Universe is extraordinarily rare. The book does not read like a narrative at all and readers should be prepared for the sort of "dry read" that one would expect from, say, an editorial in a scientific journal. Artists they are not; the beauty of the world and its life is not discussed at all. Rather, they discuss how a very intricate and complex series of unlikely events… + read more
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shilo haapala
Rare Earth

9 years ago

An excellent read. Totally fascinating and thought provoking. It really puts life in perspective, by making you appreciate just how lucky we are to be here and the fantastic set of circumstances that occurred in order for intelligent life to evolve in our solar system. It also drives the point home that we live in a Universe that is generally hostile to the formation of intelligent life. It makes the saying "Count your lucky stars", even more relavant.
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