'A tremendously broad and comprehensive look at the whole panoply of issues surrounding our search for extraterrestrial life. A very useful text for anyone just starting on an exploration of the possibilities of life in the universe.' Arik Kershenbaum, University of Cambridge, UK, author of The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy
Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. The search for extraterrestrial life; 2. Where in the universe to look?; 3. Evolution – here and elsewhere; 4. The key concept of habitability; 5. Life in the solar system; 6. Life in other planetary systems; 7. The nature of extraterrestrial life; 8. Intelligence – here and elsewhere; Concluding remarks; Summary of common misunderstandings; References and further reading; Figure credits; Index.