I have long been fascinated by the character of Percival Lowell, whose staid, scientific exterior only concealed his deep eccentricity. This book dives deeper into his psychology than anyone has ever gone before, and I was sucked in from page one. With cleverly placed historical vignettes reminding us of the times in which Lowell, H.G. Wells, Tesla and others lived as well as delightful anecdotes of the author's travels to various archives, this book keeps up a lively pace and encourages the reader to stay alert as the material slowly grows more and more wild. Although the writing style encourages a broad readership, this book would also be well-placed in a publication like LRB or NYRB due to the unique combination of colorful writing and serious investigation of Lowell's life story. I can't wait to see it published, and I may pick up a print copy to reread!

David Baron's "The Martians" brilliantly captures the electrifying fervor of the early 1900s, a time when the world was gripped by an unparalleled obsession with life beyond Earth. With masterful storytelling, Baron delves into the era's blend of scientific discovery and wild imagination, painting a vivid picture of how the public's fascination with Martians ignited both awe and hysteria. His narrative effortlessly transports readers to a time when telescopes became portals to other worlds, and the line between science and speculation blurred under the tantalizing possibility of extraterrestrial neighbors. This compelling account not only celebrates humanity's relentless curiosity but also underscores how the allure of the unknown can captivate the collective consciousness.

An excellent look at the late Victorian / early Edwardian through the lens of the people studying Mars and how it became a part of the shared culture in a way that never really left the public sphere. All sorts of famous people pop up here - Tesla, Teddy Roosevelt, Emily Dickenson, Queen Victoria, Percival Lowell, H. G. Wells, and more, all fascinated with Mars, and as always, Mars acting very much as a mirror to current hopes and fears.