Life Without Life

A Journey to Earth’s Dark Ecosystems

Foreword by Lynn Margulis and Dorian Sagan

This unique and intriguing title explores some of the world’s most unusual ecosystems found in caves, the deep sea, hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, underground aquifers, and rock deep below Earth’s surface. It also discusses the origin of life on Earth and the role of photosynthesis and chemosynthesis in the development of our planet’s cast of creatures.

Honors and Awards

New York Public Library’s Best Book for the Teen Age

Science Books & Films Best Books for Children

Research Notes

“This is a book I had been thinking about, and researching on and off, since graduate school. Although the ideas in this book are now well accepted, they were cutting edge when the book appeared in the late 1990s. To piece together all kinds of disparate research, I spoke with dozens of scientists and read hundreds of articles from scientific journals. I am especially indebted to Dr. Lynn Margulis for her assistance and support. Life Without Light was my first published book and remains one of my favorites. A framed copy of the cover hangs in my office."