First Contact

A History of Our Obsession with Aliens

Becky Ferreira

$45

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Workman Publishing
01 October 2025

Mathematics & Sciences; UFOs & extraterrestrial beings

A narrative and visual exploration of humanity's age-old search for--and fixation with--aliens, from the science to pop culture to UFO sightings.

First Contact explores the ancient idea-and epic quest to prove-that we are not alone in the universe. Presented in a heavily illustrated cabinet of curiosities format, the book explores our fascination with aliens from early history to present day, including chapters on alien conspiracy theories, aliens in science fiction, the actual science behind our search for aliens, and what happens if and when they come...or, if we are in fact descended from aliens. Each chapter is filled with bite-sized explainers and longer sections on meatier topics such as habitable zones, xenolinguistics, and UFO religions. Smaller topics will include alien abductions, ancient astronauts, exodinosaurs, Project Cyclops, and the Great Moon Hoax.

By: Becky Ferreira
Imprint: Workman Publishing
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 203mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 24mm
ISBN: 9781523527755
ISBN 10: 1523527757
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 01 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Becky Ferreira is a science writer based in Ithaca, New York. She has bylines in The New York Times, Motherboard/VICE, WIRED, Popular Science, MIT Technology Review, and The Washington Post, among other publications. She has also appeared as an expert guest on the Science Channel and hosted the Motherboard video series ""Space Show.""