Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe
Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe by Carl Zimmer explores the living atmosphere and the history of its discovery. It connects aerobiology, scientific expeditions and airborne health threats in a substantial 496-page English-language volume.
At a glance
- Traces the discovery of life in the atmosphere, from aviation-era experiments to NASA balloon research.
- Covers the movement of microbes through air and the history of biological weapons research.
- Combines scientific history with reporting on airborne threats to global health.
Reference price: $36.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Brings together aerobiology, scientific exploration and public-health history in one narrative.
- Customer feedback describes the book as informative and well documented.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Picador |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 10 June 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 496 pages |
| Reading age | 18 years and up |
| ISBN-10 | 1035023474 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1035023479 |
| Weight listed | 596 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.3 x 3.8 x 23.4 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in microbiology, the atmosphere and the history of science.
- Readers seeking a narrative account that links airborne life with public-health concerns.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a short introduction, as the listed edition runs to 496 pages.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
64% 64% - 4 stars
26% 26% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
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Customer feedback highlights the book as informative, well documented and engaging as a story. The supplied summary also notes appreciation for its links between lesser-known scientists and the wider history, including context for COVID policy. Those reactions are relevant to readers seeking a narrative approach to the book’s history of airborne life, but do not establish how every reader will respond.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as informative and well documented.
- The customer summary characterises the account as a fascinating story.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects does Air-Borne cover?
It follows the discovery of life in the atmosphere, including scientific expeditions, microbes carried through the air and the history of biological weapons research.
How long is this edition?
The listing gives a print length of 496 pages.
What language is the book in?
The listed language is English.
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