In the tradition of EO Wilson, a young biologist tells the engaging story of humanity’s unending quest to discover every living thing in our natural world–from the unimaginably small in the most inhospitable of places on earth to the unimaginably far away in the unexplored canals on Mars.

Biologists and laypeople alike have repeatedly claimed victory over life. A thousand years ago we thought we knew almost everything, a hundred years ago, too. But even today, Rob Dunn argues, discoveries we can't yet imagine still await us. More is unknown than known, whether about our bodies or the bottom of the sea.

In a series of vivid portraits of scientists as interesting as the mysteries they chase, Dunn introduces the reader to breakthroughs that have changed the world and others that might still. With poetry and humor, Dunn reminds readers how tough and exhilarating it is to study the natural world, and why it matters.