Atlanta Science Festival Presents: Ed Yong | I Contain Multitudes
The human microbiome is a dynamic collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses central to our survival, shaping every one of us from birth. Acclaimed writer Ed Yong wrote of this "forgotten organ" in his masterpiece "I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life." Now, his written word has provided inspiration for four nationally known playwrights who engaged in a 48-hour marathon of isolated furious writing, emerging with four newly-formed plays all based on this same book. Join us to hear from Ed Yong, get a taste of the plays that emerged from his book, and discuss with the artists and local scientists.
About the Book
The microbes that live with us—the microbiome—are invaluable parts of our lives, indeed of all life on earth. "I Contain Multitudes" lets us peer into the vast world of the microbiome for the first time, allowing us to see how ubiquitous, complex, and vital microbes really are: they sculpt our organs, defend us from disease, break down our food, educate our immune systems, guide our behavior, bombard our genomes with their genes, and grant us incredible abilities. With humor and wit, Ed Yong prompts us to look at ourselves and our fellow animals in a new light: less as individuals and more as the interconnected, interdependent multitudes we assuredly are. "I Contain Multitudes" is the story of these extraordinary partnerships, between the familiar creatures of our world and those we never knew existed. It will change both our view of nature, and our sense of where we belong in it.
If you are unable to attend this event, you may pre-order a signed copy below.
About the Author
Ed Yong is an award-winning science writer on the staff of the Atlantic. His work has also appeared in The New Yorker, Wired, the New York Times, Nature, New Scientist, Scientific American, the Guardian, the Times, Discover, Slate, and other publications. He lives in Washington D.C.
