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...

A Week at Flabbey Road

 Phew! What a week it's been.

I've spent much of it holed up at Flabbey Road, recording the audio version of the book. And, what do you know, I managed to record the lot, you know, all of it. I also did the music and sound effects, all on my new Korg Nautilus keyboard. I have sent the files to my producer, who has got back to me with a few pickups - bits I've had to record again, because of background noise; or because what I said was unclear (my teeth got in the way); or I consistently mispronounced 'Tyrannosaurus' as 'Chicago'. She'll get back to me with more next week.

As well as that I have been hunkered down (on Zoom) with my publicity team, planning our campaign. As a result of that, I've been drafting ideas for Op-Ed pieces; writing scripts for a series of podcasts; and getting ideas together for a Special Promotional Item -- more news on these as they happen.

I must say, promoting a book is as busy and intense as writing it in the first place. But just as much fun.

Here's the Cover of St Martin's Press Edition

Very pleased to announce that the cover of the St Martin's Press Edition of A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth is in ... and here it is! To get a better view - please feel free to pre-order from any of the links above, or your local bookstore.

Video Promo now online in China

 Prof Lida Xing uploaded this video to his Weibo site. It attracted 233,000 hits in the first 24 hours.
 

Chinese Edition of A (Very) Short History ...

Hot news for those waiting for a Chinese edition of A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth. I'm thrilled to announce that famous Chinese palaeontologist Lida Xing will soon be engaged by publishers CITIC to translate the book into simplified Chinese. More news as it happens!