Countdown!, or, How nigh is the end?

by Moore. Patrick.

Lighthearted but informative guide to the eccentrics, visionaries, rabble-rousers and fanatics throughout history who have predicted the end of the world. Subjects under discussion include the threat from outer space, astrological predictions and even some genuine scientific evidence of the world's end.

136 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 1999

Reviews

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy signed at Cheltenham book Festival



There he was, and I was lucky - the only photo allowed. His shoulder pads outweighed his physique by, oooh, nine inches each side. And dandruff abounded.

But what a (curmodgeonly) gent.

And still he lives on:

R4x Sunday Elastic Planet : 2. The Train

The Ministry of Furniture and methodist pirates. Patrick Moore guest stars.

[David Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick Moore was a great communicator of science. He had the ability to describe an obscure concept in a way that even a 4-year-old could understand.

In Countdown, Patrick explains some of the then-popular theories, guesses, and panic of how the Earth was due to end... But stubbornly enough, the Earth decided not to do so.

He explains both the crazy doomsayers concept and explains how they were wrong but clearly explaining the scientific reasons behind why the world continues on today.

This book isn't for everyone, few books are. I would recommend this to anyone, old or young, who has an interest in science and is wanting a light read. There's no crazy math or mega nerd speak, everything is clearly explained.

[Bradley White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Moore is always a joy to read. His conversational style and accessibility makes the pages fly by. This book is no exception, a delightful romp though the history of end-of-the-world predictions and what might actually do it in the future.