All Through the Night: One woman’s fight to protect our planet's nature and environment from the effects of light pollution.

by Dani Robertson

Best New Books on Space 2024 – Forbes‘Rarely is a non-fiction book about science this engaging’ – Forbes

Why darkness is so important – to plants, to animals, and to ourselves – and why we must protect it all costs.

Darkness is the first thing we know in our human existence. Safe and warm inside the bubble of the womb, we are comfortable in that embracing dark. But as soon as we are bought into the light, we learn to fear the dark. Why?

This book is a celebration of all things that go bump in the night and the joy that can be found when the sun goes down. As a society we have closed our curtains to the darkness, now Dani Robertson urges you to cast those curtains wide, step out of your front door and let the darkness pull you in.

Some 99 per cent of Western Europeans live under light polluted skies, but what is this doing to our health? Our wellbeing? Our connection to the cycles of nature?

Our wildlife, too, has been cast into the harsh glare of our light addiction, with devastating impacts.

In this book Dani shares with you the excitement and adventure she has found when everyone else is tucked up in bed. She explores constellations and cultures, enjoys environmental escapades, all whilst learning why we are addicted to light and why it is ruining our lives. She’ll show you why the darkness is so important and why we must protect it all costs. You’ll become a crusader of Darkness and an expert on what we can do to stop the onward march of light pollution ( it’s as easy as the flick of a switch).

Her life depends on darkness, and yours does too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2023

Reviews

[Kat Lawrenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote the author ‘Feeling insignificant never felt so good’ !
From the gorgeous descriptions that make you feel as though you’re stood shouldler to shouldler with Dani, staring up at the nights sky - to the back down to earth chats that really make you feel as though you’re talking with a friend over coffee.
This book has opened my eyes to a subject matter I knew nothing beyond the headline. It takes you through history, around the world and gives you a glimpse into the future (one where I re-evaluate my lighting choices!).
You can really tell how passionate Dani is about our nights sky - and how glad I am she and her colleagues are as the consequences are dire!
An incredibly informative and interesting read - I will be forcing a copy into the hands of all my light polluting neighbours!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an important book, I learnt so much. Dark skies have such an important role to play in changing the planet for the better and some of the solutions are as simple as flicking the off switch. Dani explores everything from history to ecology, space, culture, gender, wildlife and even Edison's dislike of sleep! You have to read this book now!

[Jamie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Dani for making me constantly look at the sky in the night and for the comparison of the British monarchy with bugs. Diolch.

[Dmitry · Rating 1 out of 5]

(The English review is placed beneath the Russian one)

Книга мне напомнила типичные статьи из мужских/женских журналов, в том смысле, что автор рассматривает все вопросы, связанные с поднятой темой, но при этом ни один вопрос не рассматривает подробно. Ну и, разумеется, всё это сдобрено большой порцией собственных размышлений автора, а также персональными историями. Если для журнала такой текст вполне пригоден, ибо изначально рассматривается как поверхностный и лёгкий, но при этом развлекательный, то для non-fiction такой текст создаёт ощущение фрустрации, ибо не понятно, зачем вообще была написана такая книга, ибо ничего ценного она в себе не несёт, за исключением поверхностного рассмотрения множества разных тем связанных с темой ночи и её роли в человеческой истории.

Автор начинает книгу с рассказа о том, что искусственного света, как например, неоновые вывески, городские фонари, спутники и пр., становится всё больше, из-за чего люди перестают видеть ночь, которая так важна для здоровья человека. С одной стороны, трудно не согласиться с такой точкой зрения автора, но с другой, является ли это главной проблемой, с которой сталкивается наша цивилизация сегодня? Я вот в этом не уверен. К тому же автор довольно много посвящает времени этому, с моей точки зрения, маловажному вопросу. Но, хорошо. Далее автор вспоминает собственное детство и юность, которое, так или иначе, связанно с ночным временем суток, включая темы боязни ночи. И опять же, кроме персональных историй мы в этой книге ничего не находим. Автор не рассматривает страх спать без света с более научной или хотя бы более широкой точки зрения.

Далее в книге затрагивается исторический вопрос, который полностью выветрился у меня из головы и единственное что я помню, это последняя тема, после которой я решил, что книга мне не интересна вообще. Автор рассматривает социальный вопрос присутствия женщины на ночных улицах города. В отличие от мужчин, «хорошие девочки» не гуляют ночью, но вот на мужчин это правило не распространяется. Я не знаю, к какому выводу автор приходит, т.к. мой интерес к книге полностью улетучился, но я могу отметить, что сегодня, в особенности, если речь идёт о странах третьего мира или об опасных районах даже первого мира, гулять ночью нежелательно не только женщинам, но и мужчинам и мужчины об этом прекрасно осведомлены. Так что такой подход автора, что, мол, мужчины могут спокойно ходить ночью и с ними точно ничего не произойдёт, а вот для женщин это уже представляет угрозу, не верен. Это было актуально для прошлого, вплоть до конца Второй Мировой войны, когда мир изменился радикально и когда появилось массовое освещение улиц (всё же гулять по средневековой Европы ночью, очевидно не безопасная затея просто потому, что освещения в то время была очень немного, а то, что было, было очень плохое и странно, что такая очевидная мысль не приходит автору в голову).

The book reminded me of typical articles from men's/women's magazines, in the sense that the author addresses all issues related to the topic raised, but no one issue is addressed in detail. And, of course, all this is peppered with a large portion of the author's own reflections, as well as personal stories. If for a magazine such a text is quite suitable, because it is initially regarded as superficial and light, but at the same time entertaining, for non-fiction such a text creates a feeling of frustration because it is not clear why such a book was written at all, because it carries nothing of value, except for a superficial consideration of many different topics related to the theme of night and its role in human history.

The author begins the book by telling us that artificial light, such as neon signs, city lights, satellites, etc., is becoming more and more common, causing people to stop seeing the night, which is so important for human health. On the one hand, it is hard not to agree with this point of view of the author, but on the other hand, is this the main problem facing our civilization today? I am not sure about that. Besides, the author devotes quite a lot of time to this, from my point of view, unimportant issue. But, okay. The author goes on to recall her own childhood and adolescence, which, in one way or another, is related to nighttime, including themes of fear of the night. Again, other than personal stories, we find nothing in this book. The author does not address the fear of sleeping without light from a more scientific or at least broader perspective.

The book goes on to touch on a historical issue that completely weathered out of my head, and the only thing I remember is the last topic, after which I decided I wasn't interested in the book at all. The author examines the social issue of women's presence on the city streets at night. Unlike men, “good girls” don't go out at night, but this rule doesn't apply to men. I don't know what conclusion the author reaches as my interest in the book has completely waned, but I can point out that today, especially when it comes to third-world countries or dangerous areas of even the first world, walking at night is undesirable not only for women but also for men and men are well aware of this. So this approach of the author, that men can go out at night and nothing will happen to them, but for women, it is a threat, is not true. This was true for the past, until the end of World War II, when the world changed radically and when there was mass street lighting (walking around medieval Europe at night is obviously not a safe venture simply because there was very little lighting at the time, and what there was was very poor and, strangely, such an obvious thought doesn't occur to the author).

[Simon Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the information that this book gives. It gives a real insight into the problems and gives some solutions and ways to tackle them. It is good to have some solutions there too and not just negativity.

We have damaged the night, but we can save it. I have had the privilege of seeing true darkness in the countryside of Mongolia, the world should be able to see more of it. My astrophysics education is another privilege, but I want the world to fall for the night. The stories in this book can guide. Those stories would be called the light in the dark in the past, but now I shall call it the stars guiding the lost

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

defo interesting, learned a lot but felt a bit repetitive in places. everyone turn off your lights!

[Jo Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very interesting read and I find myself bringing it up often in conversation. Changing this to a 5* because even weeks after reading this book, I can not get it out of my mind, every time i look at the night skies, i count how many stars I can see. I'm lucky to live in an area where the sky is filled with stars

[Benjamin Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly entertaining read although I'm not convinced that light pollution is in the bracket as air/water pollution but I loved reading Dani Robertson's passion about the subject.

Having access to the starry sky is incredibly important, and you just don't realise it until you have the opportunity to see the sky, with no moon in an area of almost total darkness. I have that here in North Wales too and frequently head out to a spot where I can sit, drink a whisky, stare at the stars and consider the vastness of the universe. I really believe that the Flat Earth phenomenon is linked to the reduction in seeing dark skies: I don't think you can behold the stars and milky way; the sheer expanse and not realise there's a huge, huge universe out there.

I loved Dani's conversational and autobiographical way of writing. I'm a big fan of people who shouldn't write books writing books. It feels a rarity that working class, neurodivergent voices get heard and power to your elbow Dani Robertson for getting this book out there. I actually listened Dani speak at Yr Ysgwrn when she spoke alongside Delyth Badder. I also listened to her speak on the Wrexham based Bookylicious podcast about the book; that being an entertaining interview where Dani confessed that she'd had a chapter about religion scrapped by the editors - after reading the chapter called Women of the Night I can imagine why!

[David Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read on why full, proper immersive darkness is important to our wellbeing - and that of the animals, insects and plants (yes) that we share the world with. Those poor insects, especially moths, that are drawn to the light, confusing it with the moon and getting their bearings mixed-up! And trees and plants need darkness too, for themselves and the creatures that make them their home. Key takeaways: Blue light is bad - we're only just discovering how bad - and it's good to keep artificial light to the minimum needed for work or safety. Folklore about the night and indigenous peoples' relationships with the dark feature and the author gives a good account of her work in wildlife protection, of which the dark is a big part. While All Through the Night was an enlightening read, I wouldn't pay for the hardcover edition I speed-read at a public library. Softcover or e-book maybe.
As I type this at 8.30pm on a southern hemisphere summer night, I'm getting that "ah" feeling as the light fades and the night nears. I'll only be using the lights I need from now on.

[Ryan Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All Through The Night" by Dani Robertson is a captivating exploration of light pollution and its far-reaching consequences. The author's eloquent and accessible writing style beautifully weaves together the themes of wildlife preservation and human well-being, all while evoking a sense of nostalgia. This enlightening read serves as a wake-up call to the importance of preserving our natural darkness and offers valuable insights into what each of us can do to protect our precious dark skies. A must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this crucial environmental issue. And such a beautiful book cover!

[Patrick E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This outstanding book, “All Through The Night” by Dani Robertson, was delivered to me yesterday. Ms. Robertson is a top notch #darksky #advocate, and from her home in Wales weaves an outstanding narrative here. Her skill with weaving in personal stories alongside the science of the problem of #lightpollution is marvelous. Small confession: the #audiobook was available here in the USA several weeks ago, so I just finished listening to it. Doesn’t matter, this book belongs on my #restoringdarkness bookshelf.

And it belongs on yours as well.

#AllThroughTheNight #DaniRobertson

[ly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels like a book written by your sister. She kind of gentle parenting you into protect the night sky and gave me more information revolved around light pollution.

I already knew about light pollution about 10 years ago when growing up the vast different between the city and rural area night sky amazed me every single time.. And now though I don't live in such a polluted cities, still it's harder and harder every year to gain the sight of stars.

There are helpful information and advice in this book as well, so that's great.

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Písať o odbornej téme s humorom nedokáže každý. Dani Robertson rozpráva o znečistení svetla a hviezdnej oblohe tak, akoby ste s ňou sedeli na káve, kde bude sypať fakty jedna radosť.
Jedna hviezdička dole len preto, že veľká časť knihy je orientovaná na britského čitateľa, keďže niektoré geografické a kultúrne detaily som si vôbec nevedela prepojiť.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn’t what I expected. I was expecting to learn about the impact on nature and people of light pollution, instead it was more of a personal story/polemic. I didn’t find it interesting, it wasn’t well written and I didn’t learn anything that was particularly relevant.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great read if you want to learn more about the importance of saving the night sky. A good blend of personal accounts, effects of light pollution without being too science-y, and most importantly: how we can all get involved and ways to help support dark skies.

[Iwan Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hugely important and timely book, which has encouraged me to start replacing my lampshades.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good starter for dark sky enthusiasts of which I suppose I am one.

Read all over but finished in a weird hotel in Huddersfield

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely read!!! Dani Robertson is funny, poetic, informative and inspirational. But don’t be fooled. Yes, it is indeed a pleasure to read, but this is also an important book, drawing the reader’s attention to a grossly neglected issue: the environmental, cultural, well-being and, why not, spiritual consequences of the loss of our dark skies (which, by the way, are hardly ever totally dark). A thoroughly enjoyable, eye-opening and highly recommended book.

[Surachai Boonyasiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book related the author's personal account interlaced with environmental issues concerning night sky. During my read, I had a feeling like I was watching a documentary narrated by a very friendly host, casual and humorous to boot. Illuminating stories from star-lit skies were scattered beautifully across the pages. This book served moreover as a practical guide for combatting light pollution, especially in your own community. I also appreciate heartfelt acknowledgements and valuable resources towards the end.

I deeply sympathize with her story in the chapter Women of the Night: a gripping and touching drama. The author's exploration on the tolls of space exploration on earth's environment was novel. A brief introduction and too brief in my opinion, but perhaps that may suffice since this book is not an in-depth tome, but more like a "field guide".

The struggling to pronounce the Welsh names is real, though.

[Dan Chapman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dani Robertson’s All Through the Night is an illuminating and deeply personal exploration of our relationship with darkness — not only as an ecological necessity but as a spiritual and emotional space that modern life has all but extinguished. It’s a book that feels both meditative and urgent, written by someone who clearly knows and cares about her subject. Robertson’s background as a dark sky ranger lends the work an authenticity and quiet authority, and there’s a lyrical confidence to her prose that often borders on the poetic.

What stands out immediately is her passion. Robertson writes not as a detached observer but as an advocate — a witness to something we’ve lost and may never regain if we don’t act. She captures, with genuine wonder, the magic and melancholy of the night world, from the constellations that shaped ancient myth to the silent habitats disrupted by human light. These sections shine brightest when she combines vivid description with scientific insight; she has a gift for weaving the two together in a way that feels both accessible and profound.

That said, All Through the Night isn’t without its flaws. While the content is consistently engaging, the structure can feel uneven. Certain passages drift into repetition — revisiting similar ideas about the sanctity of darkness and the damage of light pollution without deepening the argument. This looping quality occasionally blunts the book’s emotional momentum.

Moreover, Robertson’s reliance on personal anecdotes, though charming and heartfelt, sometimes overwhelms the larger environmental narrative. Her reflections are sincere, but at points they risk becoming digressions rather than enhancements. One could argue that this imbalance stems more from editorial oversight than authorial intent; a firmer structural hand might have helped shape the material into a more cohesive whole.

Yet it would be unfair to dwell too long on these issues. The book’s intimacy is also its strength — Robertson invites the reader into her world not as a lecturer but as a companion walking through the dark. Her personal accounts, though abundant, often provide the emotional resonance that turns an environmental plea into something tenderly human. In the end, All Through the Night is a passionate and thoughtful work, full of beauty and conviction. It’s perhaps imperfectly assembled, but it burns with authenticity — a reminder that sometimes the best writing on nature comes not from objectivity, but from love.

[Emily Tuffen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable exploration of all things relating to the night and darkness. I wasnt expecting such a broad selection of associated topics, so was pleasantly surprised by both the variety, and the autobiographical tales. I loved Suzanne Simard's 'Finding the Mother Tree' for the same reason: a delightful mix of personal and factual, and in this case a healthy amount of folk lore too. Dani has a poetic way with language, and the audio was beautifully read too; the author's Welsh pronunciation was a delight for my linguaphilic ears.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book that everybody should read that is informative and insightful full of hope and passion for the dark skies and full of fascinating stories.

[Sekar Writes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review and summary.

All Through the Night reveals our misguided relationship with darkness. For too long, we've blamed the dark for society's problems, thinking more light equals more safety. But Robertson challenges this idea, showing how artificial light doesn't solve issues like crime and violence. It just masks them.

She takes us back to the invention of the light bulb, explaining how we've arrived at an age of over-illumination that's affecting our sleep and severing our connection to the night sky. The stars once guided our ancestors, shaping cultures and histories. Losing them means losing a part of ourselves.

If you've ever been afraid of the dark or want to make a simple yet impactful change, this book is a must-read. It's a heartfelt reminder that darkness isn't the enemy.