Given the fact that there are perhaps 400 billion stars in our Galaxy alone and perhaps 400
billion galaxies in the Universe it stands to reason that somewhere out there in the
14-billion-year-old cosmos there is or once was a civilization at least as advanced as our
own. The sheer enormity of the numbers almost demands that we accept the truth of this
hypothesis. Why then have we encountered no evidence no messages no artifacts of these
extraterrestrials? In this second significantly revised and expanded edition of his widely
popular book Webb discusses in detail the (for now!) 75 most cogent and intriguing solutions
to Fermi's famous paradox: If the numbers strongly point to the existence of extraterrestrial
civilizations why have we found no evidence of them? Reviews from the first edition: Amidst
the plethora of books that treat the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence this one by
Webb ... is outstanding. ... Each solution is presented in a very logical interesting
thorough manner with accompanying explanations and notes that the intelligent layperson can
understand. Webb digs into the issues ... by considering a very broad set of in-depth solutions
that he addresses through an interesting and challenging mode of presentation that stretches
the mind. ... An excellent book for anyone who has ever asked 'Are we alone?'. (W. E. Howard
III Choice March 2003) Fifty ideas are presented ... that reveal a clearly reasoned
examination of what is known as 'The Fermi Paradox'. ... For anyone who enjoys a good detective
story or using their thinking faculties and stretching the imagination to the limits ...
'Where is everybody' will be enormously informative and entertaining. ... Read this book and
whatever your views are about life elsewhere in the Universe your appreciation for how special
life is here on Earth will be enhanced! A worthy addition to any personal library. (Philip
Bridle BBC Radio March 2003) Since gaining a BSc in physics from the University of Bristol
and a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Manchester Stephen Webb has worked in
a variety of universities in the UK. He is a regular contributor to the Yearbook of Astronomy
series and has published an undergraduate textbook on distance determination in astronomy and
cosmology as well as several popular science books. His interest in the Fermi paradox combines
lifelong interests in both science and science fiction.
