Written by award-winning journalist Alan Weisman, The World Without Us is a fascinating book that examines all aspects of a simple question:

What would happen to the planet if human beings just disappeared?

Now, Weisman is quick to clarify that this disappearance would not be because of something violent like a natural disaster or nuclear war. No, he is examining what the result would be if all of us just suddenly vanished into thin air.

What would happen to the land, the cities, the ocean, the climate, our garbage, our art? How long — if ever — would it take for all human traces to disappear?

Weisman’s does a great job of approaching these questions from all angles and taking readers through his journey of discovery and research.

The New York Times Book Review called it “A fascinating eco-thriller…” and I couldn’t agree more — I couldn't put it down or stop talking about it with my friends and family (sorry guys).

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History & Discovery Blog Feed

The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Bodleian Library at Oxford

The Bodleian Library, affectionately known as "the Bod" to those that frequent it, is more than just shelves full of ancient books — it is a depository of historic knowledge and a cornerstone of Oxford University’s storied history.

On a recent visit to the UK, I boarded a train at London Paddington station that deposited me in Oxford about 45 minutes later. I walked down the historic street, filled with pubs, cafes, and shops, that took me straight to the library.

Visiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xian

Must-See China: Your Guide To Visiting The Terracotta Army in Xian

In 1974, east of what is now called Xi’an in China, peasants digging a well in their field uncovered one of the largest, and arguably the most important finds of the 20th century — an underground vault full of thousands of intact terracotta warriors and horses standing in battle formation.

Why Are The Buildings In Portugal Covered In Tiles?

One of the best parts of strolling through the historic heart of Portugal’s cities — like Lisbon, Porto, and Lagos — is encountering the stunning decorative tiles that can be found covering the facades of both medieval and more modern homes, restaurants, cafes, churches, shops, and train stations.

But where did all these tiles come from?

Exploring the Pitt Rivers Museum at Oxford University

Both and assault on and a delight for the senses, the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is unlike any other museum you’ve visited (seriously, I have been in museums all over the world, and none compare to this one).

Preserving a Masterpiece: How the Duomo in Florence is Cleaned and Maintained

Referred to by many as the Duomo, this imposing and breathtaking cathedral in Florence (it literally took my breath away the first time I saw it), is officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

A mix of both Gothic and Renaissance architecture, its fabled dome rises above the historic city, and its intricate facade of white, green, and pink marble attracts millions of visitors each year.

Pantheon Facts: What's The Difference Between The Paris Pantheon and The Roman Pantheon?

Yes, there are two famous Pantheons that you can visit in Europe — one in Paris and one in Rome — but they were both constructed for very different reasons, and were built hundreds of years apart.