It's Arrived

 

A boxful of actual real-life dead-tree versions of the Picador edition has arrived. 

It's always a funny thing, getting actual book copies. The feeling is at once familiar and strange. 

Familiar, as, by now, I practically know the book by heart (especially as I've been recording the audiobook); strange, because, for the first time, it's no longer a concept but a real thing, with size, and weight. 

First impressions? It's beautifully designed. I could show you the gorgeous endpapers, but one must retain an air of mystery - really, you'll need to buy a copy yourself. 

Second, it's chunkier than I had imagined. It might be a (Very) Short History of Life on Earth, but that's a very long history.

A (Very) Short Film About Climate Change

Some kind person suggested I make a film so people who had yet to be convinced that I have a good face for radio might be swayed, and those already so convinced might be confirmed in their opinions. I filmed it in North Norfolk, which is where I live, to show that you don't have to go anywhere especially exotic to find signs of climate change ancient and modern. After all, Norfolk is hardly known for its volcanoes, towering mountains, imposing glaciers, and almost never gets earthquakes. Anyway, here it is. Enjoy (for certain values of 'Enjoy') --

 

Inspection Copies for your Courses

If you are teaching an introductory course in the history of life, I modestly suggest that A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth should be on your course reading list. If you'd like an inspection copy - please drop a line to Hope Ndaba at Picador (UK and Commonwealth) or Tomi Onabanjo at St Martin's Press (US and Canada) giving a convenient mailing address and they'd be happy to help. Inquiries from other territories -- take your pick! The same applies if you'd like to see this in your local bookstore or museum shop, of if you'd like a copy for review. You know what to do...