"Engaging. Connecting topics ranging from the Big Bang to the birth of consciousness to what shapes our personalities, Coulson presents two stories in parallel: the story of the universe from its birth to the present and the story of what had to happen for the author and reader to exist. Coulson's enthusiasm and expertise are apparent throughout this fascinating and informative text."

– Booklist

"I learned a lot from this fantastic book on the history of the universe, as will anyone who reads it. In writing this easy to read and highly enjoyable book, evolutionary biologist Tim Coulson places himself amongst the very best science communicators."

– Nils Chr. Stenseth, professor of ecology and evolution at the University of Oslo, former president of the Norwegian Academy of Science, and member of the US National Academy of Sciences.

"Tim Coulson’s book is a ripping yarn about the history of our improbable existence. It is fundamentally factual, with every inference evaluated in the context of the scientific method, highlighting the continuity of the thread across vast time scales that span physical, chemical, and biological events that led to who we are today. It is smart, informative, yet approachable and brimming with personal anecdotes and humor."

– Rosie Gillespie, Professor of environmental science, policy, and management, University California, Berkeley

“This is The Outline of History that H. G. Wells would have written if he’d lived now rather than then. Most scientists know only their own field. Tim Coulson is at home with science as an integrated whole. A pleasure to read, and a lasting accomplishment to have written.”

– Richard Dawkins, author of The Genetic Book of the Dead

"Exceptional. A highly infectious read. From the first page I found it impossible to put down. An erudite, witty, and highly intelligent romp through the history of life as we know it."

– Professor Kathy Willis, professor of bioversity, University of Oxford, and author of Good Nature

"Achieves something almost impossible, lucid explanation without dumbing down. I would defy any scientist not to read this and learn something. For those with no science beyond the stuff at school which you hated, the author hated school too and has you covered. You can read this for fun and accidentally you will know as much general science as any Professor."

– James H. Naismith, head of the mathematical, physical, and life sciences division and professor of structural biology, Oxford 

"A gangbuster science book. A can't-put-down read. I don't think I have learned more from a single book."

– Douglas W. Smith, Former Senior Wildlife Biologist, Yellowstone National Park

"Step aside Star Wars—ours is the most astonishing story you'll ever hear and it is beautifully told by Tim Coulson."

– Professor Ken Norris, deputy director of science, Natural History Museum

"An extremely enjoyable read, written in a very engaging way, and sprinkled with often very funny anecdotes. Will appeal to a broad variety of readers and inspire new generations of scientists for years to come."

– Quentin Paynter

"A charming, engaging and erudite account by a distinguished biologist of all the things that had to happen for you and me to exist and be as we are."

– David Christian, author of the New York Times bestselling Origin Story