Below the Edge of Darkness

A pioneering scientist takes us down into the deep ocean in this ‘thrilling blend of hard science and high adventure‘ (NEW YORK TIMES) Edith Widder grew up determined to become a marine biologist. But after complications from a surgery during university caused her to go temporarily blind, she became fascinated by light as well as the power of optimism. Below the Edge of Darkness explores the depths of the planet‘s oceans as Widder seeks to understand bioluminescence, one of the most important and widely used forms of communication in nature. In the process, she reveals hidden worlds and a dazzling menagerie of behaviours and animals. Alongside Widder, we experience life-and-death equipment malfunctions and witness breakthroughs in technology and understanding, all of it set against a growing awareness of the deteriorating health of our largest and least understood ecosystem. ‘Edie‘s story is one of hardscrabble optimism, two-fisted exploration and groundbreaking research. She‘s done things I dream of doing‘ JAMES CAMERON ‘A book of marvels, marvellously written‘ RICHARD DAWKINS ‘Luminous. Widder reveals the galaxy of light and life in the universe below the surface of the sea‘ SYLVIA EARLE, National Geographic explorer in residence and founder of Blue Mission