Search for Life by Monica Grady, The Natural History Museum (via Plymbridge
Distributors, 01752 202301), 拢9.95, ISBN 0565091573
ARE we alone? Search for Life is another in the Life Series from the Natural
History Museum and is something of a bargain considering the prices of popular
paperbacks. It is admirably succinct on the explosive origin of the Universe and
the formation of the Solar System and our own planet. None of this is new, of
course, but it is presented here in a lucid and reader-friendly way.
The main attraction is the range and beauty of the illustrations. Every page
has its stunners. Astronomical photographs are seldom less than impressive and
here there are examples that are marvels of the art. The standard is maintained
in pictures of the tiniest details of terrestrial life forms and in the
diagrams.
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Grady includes a section on possible sites for life on other planets in the
Solar System and beyond. She writes clearly on the subtle techniques that could
be used to detect indications of life even over immense distances. After reading
Search for Life, terms such as astrobiology and HZ will roll easily off your
tongue. It鈥檚 a paperback to treasure. HZ? Habitable Zone.