Product Description

FROM THE REVIEWS: coherent, understandable, and sometimes humorous coverage of a diverse range of topics. He provides readers with non-trivial insights into research fields they may not have encountered previously . . . I think everyone who has ever considered the possibility that other intelligent civilizations exist elsewhere within our galaxy will enjoy Where Is Everybody? They will find much to agree with, and much to argue about, in this very accessible volume.¿ ¿SCIENCE During a Los Alamos lunchtime conversation that took place more than 50 years ago, four world-class scientists agreed, given the size and age of the Universe, that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations simply had to exist. The sheer numbers demanded it. But one of the four, the renowned physicist and back-of-the-envelope calculator Enrico Fermi, asked the telling question: If the extraterrestrial life proposition is true, he wondered, "Where IS everybody?" In this lively and thought-provoking book, Stephen Webb presents a detailed discussion of the 50 most cogent and intriguing answers to Fermi's famous question, divided into three distinct groups: - Aliens are already here among us. Here are answers ranging from Leo Szilard's suggestion that they are already here, and we know them as Hungarians, to the theorists who claim that aliens built Stonehenge and the Easter Island statues. - Aliens exist, but have not yet communicated. The theories in this camp range widely, from those who believe we simply don't have the technologies to receive their signals, to those who believe the enormities of space and time work against communication, to those who believe they're hiding from us. - Aliens do not exist. Here are the doubters' arguments, from the Rare Earth theory to the author's own closely argued and cogently stated skepticism. The proposed solutions run the gamut from the crackpot to the highly serious, but all deserve our consideration. The varieties of arguments -- from first-rate scientists, philosophers and historians, and science fiction authors -- turn out to be astonishing, entertaining, and vigorous intellectual exercises for any reader interested in science and the sheer pleasure of speculative thinking. Stephen Webb is a physicist working at the Open University in England and the author of Measuring the Universe.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50831 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-04
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

From Library Journal
In response to Enrico Fermi's famous 1950 question concerning the existence of advanced civilizations elsewhere, physicist Webb critically examines 50 resolutions to explain the total absence of empirical evidence for probes, starships, and communications from extraterrestrials. He focuses on our Milky Way Galaxy, which to date has yielded no objects or signals that indicate the existence of alien beings with intelligence and technology. His comprehensive analysis covers topics ranging from the Drake equation and Dyson spheres to the panspermia hypothesis and anthropic arguments. Of special interest are the discussions on the DNA molecule, the origin of life on Earth, and the threats to organic evolution on this planet (including mass extinctions). Webb himself concludes that the "great silence" in nature probably results from humankind's being the only civilization now in this galaxy, if not in the entire universe. This richly informative and very engaging book is recommended for most academic and public library science collections.
H. James Birx, Canisius Coll., Buffalo, NY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Scientific American
On the way to lunch at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory one day in 1950, Enrico Fermi and three other physicists--Emil Konopinski, Edward Teller and Herbert York--chatted about flying saucers. At lunch, when the talk had turned to other matters, Fermi suddenly said, "Where is everybody?" His companions realized that the talk of flying saucers had turned his mind to the possibility that there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe and that he was asking why, if there is, we have seen no sign of it. The question encapsulates what is now known as the Fermi paradox. Webb, lecturer in physics at the Open University in England, presents 49 solutions that have been proposed for the paradox, grouping them according to whether they hold that intelligent extraterrestrials are here, exist but have not communicated, or do not exist. He makes a splendid and enlightening story of it, concluding with his own solution, the 50th: "We are alone."

Editors of Scientific American

Review

From the reviews:

"Webb offers coherent, understandable, and sometimes humorous coverage of a diverse range of topics. He provides readers with non-trivial insights into research fields they may not have encountered previously . . . I think everyone who has ever considered the possibility that other intelligent civilizations exist elsewhere within our galaxy will enjoy Where Is Everybody? They will find much to agree with, and much to argue about, in this very accessible volume." - Science

"Where Is Everybody? is a delightful mental romp. With a light-hearted, enthusiastic tone, Webb offers lively coverage of UFOs, crop circles, and the books of Erich von Däniken, the infamous proponent of the idea that aliens visited the Earth in the distant past. Science-fiction fans will enjoy the frequent references to Star Trek, and science buffs will appreciate mention of the ideas of Carl Sagan, Fred Hoyle, Frank Drake, and Freeman Dyson. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever pondered the question, "Are we alone?"

-Astronomy

"There have been many attempts to resolve the Fermi paradox, and Stephen Webb.. presents his favorites in compelling detail… [he] writes informatively - even authoritatively… His writing is encyclopedic in scope, lucid, often poetic – and in the end is both enormously inspiring and a little sad if he is right, as I’m afraid he might be, in concluding that we are the only advanced civilization in the Galaxy. Readers are free to differ with Webb’s conclusion, but they will be surprised to learn how convincing it is.

"I have read a number of good astronomy books this past year, but this is the one I regard as indispensable. If I were Robinson Crusoe – shipwrecked and lonely on an island in space -- I would want this book with me."

MERCURY Magazine (published by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific)

"Stephen Webb provides a fascinating a guide to the rousing scientific debate over the existence of extraterrestrial life in Where Is Everybody? Fifty Solutions to the Fermi Paradox and the Problem of Extraterrestrial Life … . The reader of the book will get a very broad education in many basic fields of science, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology and even psychology. Webb is clear, entertaining and fair to every one of the 50 opinions, and even gives his own solutions in a concluding chapter." (Jeffrey Marsh, Washington Times, January, 2003)

"Physicist Stephen Webb examines 49 hypotheses and theories that attempt to solve the Fermi Paradox and offers his own explanation in this fascinating survey of the opinions of astronomers, physicists and philosophers. … Where is Everybody? is engrossing and thought-provoking, a science book that every fan of science fiction should read." (Mark Graham, Rocky Mountains News, December, 2002)

"Amidst the plethora of books that treat the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, this one by Webb … is outstanding. … Each solution is presented in a very logical, interesting, thorough manner with accompanying explanations and notes that the intelligent layperson can understand. Webb digs into the issues … by considering a very broad set of in-depth solutions that he addresses through an interesting and challenging mode of presentation that stretches the mind. … An excellent book for anyone who has ever asked ‘Are we alone?’." (W. E. Howard III, Choice, March, 2003)

"‘Where is everybody?’ … The question encapsulates what is now known as the Fermi paradox. Webb, lecturer in physics at the Open University in England, presents 49 solutions that have been proposed for the paradox, grouping them according to whether they hold that intelligent extraterrestrials are here, exist but have not communicated, or do not exist. He makes a splendid and enlightening story of it, concluding with his own solution, the 50th: ‘We are alone’." (Scientific American, June, 2003)

"In response to Enrico Fermi’s famous 1950 question concerning the existence of advance civilizations elsewhere, physicist Webb critically examines 50 resolutions to explain the total absence of empirical evidence for probes, starships, and communications from extraterrestrials. … His comprehensive analysis covers topics ranging from the Drake equation and Dyson spheres to the panspermia hypothesis and anthropic arguments. … This richly informative and very engaging book is recommended for most academic and public library science collections." (H. James Birx, Library Journal, December, 2002)

"Here’s a fascinating science book filled with ideas for SF writers. Physicist Webb examines the question about where are all the alien civilizations if life isn’t confined to lonely little Earth. … There’s an interesting, accessible discussion of Fermi’s paradox and even the more technical ‘explanations’ are provided in understandable layman’s terms. Very interesting and thought provoking." (Science Fiction Journal, May, 2003)

"The question posed by the title of this fascinating book is Fermi’s Paradox. … nicely organized and laid out for the general reader. Fortunately, Webb’s often witty comments make this an eminently readable book without sacrificing scientific rigor. You may agree or disagree with any of his particular solutions, but on the whole he presents each argument fairly. This is a terrific book for anybody with any interest in the extraterrestrial life question, and perhaps especially for those new to the field. Highly recommended." (Netsurfer Digest, June, 2003)

"In Where is Everybody? Stephen Webb … examines proposed solutions to this conundrum, known as the Fermi Paradox. … The proposed solutions … are well explained, and Webb skillfully argues their pros and cons with science. … Where is Everybody? is a delightful mental romp. With a light-hearted, enthusiastic tone, Webb offers lively coverage of UFOs, crop circles, and the books of Erich von Däniken … . This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever pondered the question, ‘Are we alone?’" (Jennifer Birriel, Astronomy, April, 2003)

"‘Where is everybody?’ … . it became known as Fermi’s Paradox. Now Stephen Webb … has suggested fifty reasonably sensible answers to the puzzle. … Where is everybody? is a classic book and one that you will be happy to refer to for decades to come. It is beautifully written, concise, thorough, interesting, and mentally stretching. This huge subject has been summarized with skill. And there are pages of notes and references encouraging you to read more and delve further." (David W. Hughes, The Observatory, Vol. 123 (1175), 2003)

"There have been many attempts to resolve the Fermi paradox, and Stephen Webb, the author of this remarkable book, presents his 50 favorites in compelling detail … . His writing is encyclopedic in scope, lucid, often poetic … enormously inspiring … . I have read a number of good astronomy books this past year; but this one is the one I regard as indispensable. If I were Robinson Crusoe – shipwrecked and lonely on an island in space – I would want this book with me." (William Sheehan, Mercury, January – February, 2003)

"Fifty ideas are presented … that reveal a clearly reasoned examination of what is known as ‘The Fermi Paradox’. … For anyone who enjoys a good detective story, or using their thinking faculties and stretching the imagination to the limits … ‘Where is everybody’ will be enormously informative and entertaining. … Read this book, and whatever your views are about life elsewhere in the Universe, your appreciation for how special life is here on Earth will be enhanced! A worthy addition to any personal library." (Philip Bridle, BBC Radio, March, 2003)

"In his highly entertaining and thought-provoking book, Where is Everybody, Stephen Webb sets out a host of possible solutions to the so called Fermi paradox, famously posed by the nuclear physicist Enrico Fermi." (Markus Chown, New Scientist, April, 2003)

"Webb offers coherent, understandable, and sometimes humorous coverage of a diverse range of topics. He provides readers with non-trivial insights into research fields they may not have encountered previously … . The author cites an impressive collection of primary resource materials … . I think everyone who has ever considered the possibility that other intelligent civilizations exist elsewhere within our galaxy will enjoy Where Is Everybody?" (Jill Tarter, Science, Vol. 299, January, 2003)

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Customer Reviews

Where is everybody? Great question.
If your level of concsiousness is high and you posess a fair knowledge of science then you are going to enjoy this book. Are we the norm or the exception? Sure enough, both possibilities are thrilling. This book provides you with the most educated guesses that can be made, with the present knowledge of science, about this fascinating question. Furthermore, in this book you'll find arguments both in favor and against your favorite view, be it norm or exception. But what I enjoyed the most was the fact that the author, after so much time of entertaining the question himself, shares with you his own insight.
This is a great book, one of a kind.

If the Universe is Teeming with Aliens. . . Where is Everybody?
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in SciFi. Not only is the book consciousness-expanding and thought-provoking, but the author uses a methodical, scientific approach to present his case.

Reviews reviewed
Save a precious few, almost all of the comments of this book have been awful. I was fascinated by the book, yet it left me with many questions and I was intrigued to know what other Amazon reader's comments might be. Instead of interesting comments (save a couple of great ones) I found book reports ! It should be painfully obvious that Amazon does not want you to write a 'student type book report', rather, they and we, want you to make an INTERESTING observation or to further the discussion, if and only if you have something to say. And, again, to be 1000% clear, there is no need to summarize the book for us (Amazon already does.) In truth, many will have nothing to add and if such is the case, then it would be best for you to abstain from commenting. We do not need to know that 'you loved reading the book' and other such nonsense that adds zero to the discussion and only serves to stroke your ego that you wrote something.