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Science & Nature· United States

The Sixth Extinction

by Elizabeth Kolbert
Aggregate Editorial Score43/100
Goodreads Choice Award
Published 2014352 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of science & nature have earned the sustained critical attention that The Sixth Extinction (2014) by Elizabeth Kolbert continues to receive. Kolbert travels the world to document the current mass extinction of species—the sixth in the history of life on Earth—driven by human activity. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, it is the most comprehensive account of the biodiversity crisis available to a general reader. Themes of extinction, ecology, climate run through the work. The book has received recognition from Goodreads Choice Award 2014.

Book Details

AuthorElizabeth Kolbert
Published2014
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages352
Category🔬 Science & Nature
ISBN9780805092998
Editorial Score43/100
About the Category

🔬 Science & Nature

Non-fiction exploring the natural world and scientific discovery.

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Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

Elizabeth Kolbert published The Sixth Extinction in 2014, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of science & nature from United States. The book's treatment of extinction, ecology, climate, science accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Sixth Extinction among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Goodreads Choice Award 2014. Our aggregate score of 43/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Sixth Extinction lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of extinction, ecology, climate, science is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Sixth Extinction reflects Elizabeth Kolbert's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Goodreads Choice Award
notable · global
201418
✍️
About the Author
Elizabeth Kolbert
United States
View Author →

Elizabeth Kolbert is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of science nature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Sixth Extinction about?

Kolbert travels the world to document the current mass extinction of species—the sixth in the history of life on Earth—driven by human activity. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, it is the most comprehensive account of the biodiversity crisis available to a general reader.

Who wrote The Sixth Extinction?

The Sixth Extinction was written by Elizabeth Kolbert, from United States. First published in 2014.

What awards has The Sixth Extinction won?

The Sixth Extinction has received the following awards and honours: Goodreads Choice Award 2014.

Is The Sixth Extinction worth reading?

The Sixth Extinction is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 18/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in extinction, ecology, climate.

Where can I buy The Sixth Extinction?

You can buy The Sixth Extinction on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Sixth Extinction?

The Sixth Extinction is classified as Science & Nature. Non-fiction exploring the natural world and scientific discovery.

What country is The Sixth Extinction from?

The Sixth Extinction originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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