Author:Ian Mortimer
We are an astonishing species. Over the past millennium of plagues and exploration, revolution and scientific discovery, woman’s rights and technological advances, human society has changed beyond recognition.
Sweeping through the last thousand years of human development, Human Race is a treasure chest of the lunar leaps and lightbulb moments that, for better or worse, have sent humanity swerving down a path that no one could ever have predicted.
But which of the last ten centuries saw the greatest changes in human history?
History’s greatest tour guide, Ian Mortimer, knows what answer he would give. But what’s yours?
Mortimer is an entertaining guide on this superb time-travel journey of human innovations
—— Julia Richardson , Daily MailAn ambitious study of the last millennium
—— Evening StandardAn excellent romp through the past millennium of British (and particularly English) history… Highly entertaining, well written and packed with lively characters and surprising facts.
—— Ian Morris , BBC History MagazineI loved this book... It will enable you to understand your past, your place in it and that of your ancestors as never before. A modern classic
—— FIVE STARS, James Delingpole , Mail on SundayProvocative and enjoyable... Almost every page of this engaging book sets your mind racing
—— Dominic Sandbrook , Sunday TimesOriginal and fascinating... It is a planetary ride which Mortimer offers us in his tour of ten centuries. It is exhilarating to time-travel with him
—— Peter Lewis , Book of the Week, Daily MailIt feels as though he has put his heart and soul into it and readers of his other books will enjoy it for its scope and energy
—— The TimesWritten in his usual accessible yet quirky style Mortimer proves his worth as the best upmarket tour guide to the hidden mysteries of the past that we have
—— Alex Larman , Daily ExpressOn his whirlwind tour of western history through the part millennium, he takes his readers on an entertaining and thought-provoking journey
—— Choice MagazineSmarten up your discussion technique with this fascinating book by a universally-known historian… This is history made real
—— Sophie King , Sidmouth HeraldThis is an entertaining and thought-provoking book for anyone who likes to argue about history
—— Good Book GuideIn this brilliant idea for a book…Ian Mortimer treats us to an exhilarating time-travel ride
—— Peter Lewis , Daily MailPerfect for history buffs or for those who want to know a little more about the world we live in
—— No. 1Fascinating and humorous book
—— Sun[Mortimer] delivers a fascinating study
—— Lauro Martines , The Times Literary Supplement[Mortimer] draws a wide circle of investigation, employing his well-stocked mind, wide curiosity, verve, humour, telling turn of phrase and a proven ability to clarify and intrigue by making unlikely conjunctions and connections
—— Juliet Gardiner , History TodayGaia Vince discovers how ingenious individuals around the world cope with the consequences of environmental changes and sees how our relationship with the natural world have evolved over the centuries
—— Popular science books for Christmas , The TimesOur species has exploded into a new kind of force – one species able to alter the physical, chemical and biological properties of the planet on a geological scale. Gaia Vince’s important book provides the evolutionary, temporal and biophysical context to show with clarity the stunning speed and magnitude of the human footprint on the planet. She manages to inspire with hope while conveying a cry of urgency.
—— David Suzuki, author of THE SACRED BALANCEHave you seen the state of our planet? Gaia Vince has. She travelled the globe for two years to investigate what we are doing to it, and this heroic feat of reporting is the result. She, and her readers, are left wiser, sometimes sadder, but still holding on to a core optimism about possible futures for our world.
—— Jon Turney, author of THE ROUGH GUIDE TO THE FUTUREA literal walk through the far reaches of our planet, a biosphere now governed as much by human activity as by the forces of nature. We should take heed of these hard won stories by Gaia Vince, and wise up
—— David Buckland, International Director, Cape FarewellMakes it easier to look at the Earth’s future without pessimism, and is a delight to read for the science alone
—— Gabriel Smith , Cotsworld LifeThis is a transformative book and will inspire all of its readers to think more carefully about the way we interact with the environment
—— Colin Murray-Wallace , Australian GeologistA world tour of how our transformation of the planet is playing out on the ground
—— Dougald Hine , Resurgence & Ecologistholds a mirror up to humanity and says: look what you have done to the world, the only world you will ever have… a compelling read
—— Guardian , Tim RadfordA travelogue that tries to explain the enormous changes occurring on Earth at the level of the individual citizen.
—— Jonathan Amos , BBCThe book’s personal nature makes it a joy to read… Despite being densely filled with meticulously researched facts, it always flows like a good travel journal.
—— Samuel Tracey , Chemistry WorldThe book’s personal nature makes it a joy to read. Added to this is the book’s excellent structure, examining each habitat in turn…and looking at the solutions science might provide… Despite being densely filled with meticulously researched facts, it always flows like a good travel journal.
—— Samuel Tracey , Royal Society of ChemistryThe writing is fluent… I think this is an important book, which shows us what we have done to our world and what we might have to do if we are to survive in it. This is a book for anyone who cares about the planet and the environment.
—— Rebecca Kershaw , NudgePerhaps the best book so far to trace the epoch’s impacts on the world’s poor, and the slow violence that climate change metes out to them.
—— Robert Macfarlane , GuardianThrough reading this book I have looked the bogeyman death in the face. Maybe it was the briefest of glances, and I want to play a little before I look again, but I feel richer for it. It is a sombre richness and there is sadness in it, but I am grateful. Grateful for this book and to its valiant author.
—— Mary McEvoy , Irish IndependentHis exquisitely written, inspiring memoir is inevitably unfinished, but delivers the final word on dying with dignity.
—— Craig Brown , Mail on SundayWrenching memoir…Moving, humble and impossible to ignore.
—— The ScotsmanAn unforgettable reflection on the practice of medicine and the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.
—— Miss DinkyAn honest and eye-opening memoir.
—— Independent on SundayDeeply moving memoir… Lessons on life and how to cherish it.
—— Daily MailImmensely powerful and poignant.
—— Sunday TimesThe best book I’ve read this year.
—— Ann Patchett , GuardianHeart-breaking memoir.
—— WeekThe effect of reading such clear-sighted and intelligent commentary on life and death is exhilarating… Astonishing and invigorating book... Rarely have words on both life and death made such an impact.
—— Stylist MagazineA brilliant memoir.
—— Daily TelegraphA sad but beautiful story… A remarkable book… A moving and thoughtful memoir of family, medicine and literature.
—— Anand Pillai , Asian VoiceProfoundly moving book… A life-affirming reflection on facing our mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.
—— Dara Gantly , Irish Medical Times[Kalanithi] wrote about practising medicine, about mortality, about finite time, with unfathomable tranquility and humour.
—— Radio TimesHe writes with clarity, elegance, and honesty… When Breath Becomes Air is a deeply personal and moving book… Kalanithi died leaving the book unfinished. He left, though, his voice, speaking through this book about death and implicitly about life.
—— Frieda Klotz , Irish IndependentWriting isn't brain surgery, but it's rare when someone adept at the latter is also so accomplished at the former... A moving meditation on mortality by a gifted writer whose dual perspectives of physician and patient provide a singular clarity.
—— Kirkus Starred ReviewAn extraordinary voice… His account is matter-of-fact, never self-pitying and often funny.
—— Jennifer Rohn , Times Higher EducationWrenching memoir… Moving, humble, and impossible to ignore.
—— UK Press SyndicationA sparely lyrical account of excruciated ambition… Fairly dotted with insights.
—— Iain Bamforth , Times Literary SupplementIn this slim but extraordinarily powerful memoir, Kalanithi grapples with the hardest questions with grace and courage... Lucid, humbling and heartbreaking.
—— Stephanie Cross , The LadyHeart-wrenching memoir
—— Eastern Daily PressWhen Breath Becomes Air is an eloquent evocation of a life defined by success and tragedy… Paul’s unravelling of unimaginable circumstances is terrifyingly real and heartbreakingly honest.
—— Lydia Yaritt , British Journal of General PracticeThe line between life and death has never been explored quite so personally as in Paul Kalanithi’s wrenching memoir… The Final pages, from Paul and then Lucy, are moving, humble, and impossible to ignore’
—— Woman's WayIt’s elegantly constructed, as befits a man who had a lifelong passion for reading and writing, and heartbreakingly honest too, with unflinching reflections on all the beloved people he must leave behind, and all the things left undone’
—— PsychologiesAbsolutely compelling… This is not a depressing book, but it will stay with you for a long time.
—— Stephen Meyler , RTE GuideA true and heart-breaking tale.
—— Love it!This dying doctor’s gripping memoir is a natural, honest, and unflinching account of his journey. Paul’s willingness to reflect and share and not avert his eyes from death, will undoubtedly inspire and comfort others who are ill or who experience loss. The final paragraph is directed towards his infant daughter and it is breathtakingly beautiful… one to recommend to anyone and everyone.
—— Joanne Booy , NudgeBeautifully written… Healthcare professionals and civilians alike should find much that resonates here.
—— Lisa Berry , Cancer Nursing PracticeHis book is suitable for, and deserves, a wide audience… Whilst this book is emotional and moving to read, it is beautifully written and many readers will find Paul's way of dealing with terminal illness inspirational. It is a book that I will go back to again and again for emotional support.
—— MacmillanThis is a tearjerker… Kalanithi was as skilled with words as he was with the knife.
—— Helen Davies , Sunday Times, Book of the YearKalanithi is warm and full of wit... His writing is seamless, poetic, beautiful and transfixing. His bravery is rather astonishing at times… He is a wonderful storyteller and dizzily sweeps you along.
—— Avpura TimesYou’ll read this in one unforgettable afternoon.
—— A Little BirdA gripping and emotionally charged account.
—— Today FM, Book of the YearPoignant, honest, brave and yes, at times, incredibly raw… A beautiful and unforgettable book.
—— Heat[A] beautiful memoir… Kalanithi’s eloquent and elegant writing is deeply affecting.
—— Daily Express, Book of the Year[An] inspiring book.
—— Business Insider, Book of the YearA thoughtful, deep and learned meditation on the meaning of life… The best book of the year
—— Sheer Luxe, Book of the YearAn emotional ride.
—— Julie Vuong , Running in Heels, Book of the YearA book that leaves its reader full-hearted… moved and enriched by its humanity and accomplishment.
—— Lettie Kennedy , ObserverA fast read that won’t fail to move you.
—— IJohn Updike said that every writer is simply unpacking their own bag, describing writing as a way to come to terms with one’s current and historical life experience. If that is the case Paul Kalanithi, in When Breath Becomes Air, is unpacking a very large bag indeed, and not just his own.
—— Paul D'Alton , Irish ExaminerWhen Breath Becomes Air is a life-affirming reflection on facing our mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.
—— Mojo MumsFar more than a beautifully written account of a life cut cruelly short: it is a meditation on living well.
—— Jane Shilling , Mail[H]e writes with an eloquence that befits his love of the literary.
—— Brad Davies , iAn eloquent meditation on our mortality, the brain, the meaning of life, fatherhood and the doctor-patient relationship, this powerful, inspirational book should appeal to readers who are enjoying watching BBC2’s current Hospital series. I couldn’t put this profoundly moving memoir down – but it is not for the squeamish or faint-hearted, and may scare hypochondriacs.
—— Rebecca Wallersteiner , The LadyIt’s not just that Kalanathi has a remarkable story to tell. The way he tells it is phenomenal… This is a superbly written and must-read autobiography – beautiful, poignant and thought-provoking.
—— Sam Hailes , ChristianityHe writes movingly about how to make sense of a life so suddenly interrupted and what makes life worth living even as it fades away. A beautiful book about the resilience of the human spirit.
—— RedKalanithi’s candid yet artistic prose, peppered with medical terminology, conveys his life beautifully. We are taken on a journey from the nostalgic memories of his childhood in Arizona to his final days in the hospital bed… he raw and emotional portrayal of his pain and their family’s grief is not an easy read, but a compelling one.
—— Angela Huang , BoarA thoroughly enjoyable, epic read, When Breath Becomes Air should be at the top of everyone’s ‘to read’ list. Paul Kalanithi beautifully bridges the gaps between philosophy, science and literature in his memoir which depicts the reality of life lived in the face of death… Kalanithi writes sublimely, elegantly and honestly. His words are spun together as though with a golden thread, and all that he writes is from the heart. His admiration for the written word shines through and the mammoth task of composing his memoir, after receiving his diagnosis, is executed exquisitely… It is a novel filled with tenderness, heartbreak and bittersweet nostalgia. It is a novel containing power, strength and beauty. And it is a novel that will stay with you long after its cover has been closed.
—— Lauren Molyneux , LiveInformative, emotive, honest and a stark look at the path one takes when life pulls the rug out from under you.
—— NudgeThis book has stayed with me ever since I put it down. Absolutely extraordinary. This book is an example of how fragile and unfair life can be.
—— Molly EllisIt was a really incredible read and I couldn’t recommend it more.
—— Ella Mills , Good Web GuideAs a book detailing the insight into our own mortality, and the dedication of medical professionals who place their lives on hold to learn their craft, it’s fascinating. His accounts of coming face to face with cadavers – "donors" – and performing autopsies, his experiences with patients as he gave good and bad news, his mistakes as a surgeon which caused irreparable damage coupled with his success as a physician are an incredible insight into his life’s work… A melancholic read that I’d recommend to all student nurses, and anyone interested in reading the final thoughts of a doomed surgeon.
—— Six Out of TenPoignant and life-affirming, it's a devastating must-read
—— Woman & HomeBeautifully written... utterly heartbreaking and yet somehow life-affirming
—— Mike Gayle, author of THE MUSEUM OF ORDINARY PEOPLE , Good HousekeepingThe writing is beautiful and the whole book feels like a wondrous gift
—— Good HousekeepingAt a time when the NHS and key workers are doing their utmost to make sure people are safe, this medical memoir is one that will make you realise how courageous and hard-working our medical staff really are... The moving and intimidate book brings readers on a valuable and gut-wrenching journey through the meaning of life, exposes universal truths surrounding terminal illnesses and highlights the fragile relationship between doctor and patient
—— Country and Townhouse