Infinite Life: A Revolutionary Story of Eggs, Evolution and Life on Earth

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Five billion years ago, this place was barely planet at all, more like a condensing cloud forming from debris that circled a fledgling star. Not a promising candidate, perhaps, for a place where eggs would one day evolve from out of the sea; be set by animals into soils, sands, canyons and mudflats; be dropped in nests wrapped in silk; hung in stick nests in trees, covered in crystallised shells or secured by placentas. And yet here we are. We owe eggs for our existence. For life on Earth today. Eggs are, quite probably, the single biggest invention in the history of evolution. Finally, the epic story of their role in the story of life can be told.

Unveiling a captivating new outlook on Earths natural history, science writer and zoology correspondent Jules Howard retells our planet's grand narrative from the perspective of the animal egg. Through lyrical prose, captivating storytelling and meticulous research, Howard offers a masterful narrative that challenges our perceptions and invites introspection about our place in the story of life.

Reviews

Jules Howards eggs-eye view of evolution is dripping with fascinating insights

Alice Roberts, author of Ancestors

A startlingly beautiful exploration of evolutions crucibles of creation

Rebecca Wragg Sykes, author of Kindred

Mind-bending in the best possible ways a joy to read

Helen Scales, author of The Brilliant Abyss

Finally, the egg gets the recognition it deserves in this wonderfully evocative telling of its journey through time and place

Gaia Vince, author of Nomad Century and Transcendence

One of my favourite science writers

Lucy Cooke, author of Bitch: A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution and the Female Animal

This is as fun and engaging as science writing gets, and by the end of the book, its astounding how much youve learned about the history of life.

Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Reign of the Mammals

Author Bio

Jules Howard is a zoologicalcorrespondent, science writer and broadcaster, whose recent book, Wonderdog, won the 2022 Barker Book Prize for non-fiction.He writes on a host of topics relating to zoology, ecology and wildlife conservation and appears regularly in BBC Science Focus magazine and on radio and TV, includingBBC Breakfast and Radio 4'sNature Tableand The Ultimate Choice. He lives in Northamptonshire with his wife and two children.