num_pages: 416
description: What have we not done to live forever? Adam Leith Gollner the critically acclaimed author of The Fruit Hunters weaves together religion science and mythology in a gripping exploration of the most universal of human obsessions: immortality. Raised without religion Adam Leith Gollner was struck by mankinds tireless efforts to cheat aging and death. In a narrative that pivots between profundity and hilarity he brings us into the world of those whose lives are shaped by a belief in immortality. From a Jesuit priest on his deathbed to anti-aging researchers at Harvard Gollnersorting truth from absurditycanvasses religion and science for insight along with an array of cults myths and fringe figures. He journeys to David Copperfields archipelago in the Bahamas where the magician claims to have found a liquid that reverses genes. He explores a cryonics facility attends a costume party set in the year 2068 with a group of radical life-extensionists and soaks in the transformative mineral waters at the Esalen Institute. Looking to history Gollner visits St. Augustine Florida where Ponce de Leon is thought to have sought the fountain of youth. Combining immersive reporting rigorous research and lyrical prose Gollner charts the rise of longevity science from its alchemical beginnings to modern-day genetic interventions. He delves into the symbolic representation of eternal life and its connection to water. Interlaced throughout is a compelling meditation on the nature of belief showing how every story we tell about immortality is a story about the meaning of death. Part journalist part detective part scientist (New York Post) Adam Leith Gollner has written a rollicking and revelatory examination of our age-old notion of living forever.
language: English
title: The Book of Immortality: The Science, Belief, and Magic Behind Living Forever
publisher: Scribner