#1515 - Dr. Bradley Garrett

In this book, Toby Ord argues that humanity is in a uniquely dangerous period, which he terms 'the Precipice,' beginning with the first atomic bomb test in 1945. Ord examines various existential risks, including natural and anthropogenic threats, and estimates that there is a one in six chance of humanity suffering an existential catastrophe within the next 100 years. He advocates for a major reorientation in how we see the world and our role in it, emphasizing the need for collective action to minimize these risks and ensure a safe future for humanity. The book integrates insights from multiple disciplines, including physics, biology, earth science, computer science, history, anthropology, statistics, international relations, and moral philosophy[1][3][5].

This book spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, who were the most powerful Indian tribe in American history, known for their exceptional horsemanship and warfare skills. The second story follows the remarkable narrative of Cynthia Ann Parker, a pioneer woman kidnapped by the Comanches in 1836, and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. The book covers a sweeping narrative that includes Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads, providing a historical feast for anyone interested in the development of the United States.

In 'Wool', the first book of the Silo series, Hugh Howey depicts a dystopian future where humanity lives in a self-sustaining underground silo. The story follows Sheriff Holston and later Juliette, a mechanic turned sheriff, as they uncover the sinister truths and conspiracies within the silo. The novel delves into the lives of the silo's residents, who are kept in the dark about the true state of the outside world, and the harsh punishments for those who express a desire to leave. The book is known for its suspenseful and engaging narrative, exploring themes of survival, hope, and the quest for truth in a confined and controlled environment.

In 'Coyote America,' Dan Flores provides a detailed and accessible narrative that combines historical, anthropological, folklore, and biological insights into the life and adaptation of coyotes. The book explores how coyotes have thrived despite centuries of human attempts to eradicate them, highlighting their intelligence, social behavior, and ability to adapt to various environments. Flores also delves into the cultural and historical contexts of coyote-human interactions, from their role in Native American mythology to their modern-day presence in urban areas. The book advocates for coexistence with coyotes and challenges the historical and ongoing persecution of these animals.

In *Bunker: Building for the End Times*, Bradley Garrett delves into the world of 'preppers' who are building bunkers in anticipation of apocalyptic events. The book is a travelogue that explores the motivations behind this movement, from fear of pandemics and nuclear war to climate change. Garrett examines the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of survivalism, highlighting how bunkers reflect our deepest fears and societal anxieties.

The Black Swan is a landmark book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that investigates the phenomenon of highly improbable events with massive impacts. These events, termed Black Swans, are unpredictable, have a significant impact, and are rationalized after the fact to appear less random. Taleb argues that humans are hardwired to focus on specifics rather than generalities, leading to a failure to consider what we don’t know. The book delves into cognitive biases, the limitations of mathematical models, and the importance of robustness and antifragility in navigating a world filled with uncertainty. The second edition includes a new essay, 'On Robustness and Fragility,' offering tools to navigate and exploit a Black Swan world.

Survivor Song follows Natalie, a pregnant woman, and her friend Dr. Ramola Sherman as they navigate a chaotic world overrun by a fast-spreading, rabies-like virus. The novel explores themes of survival, friendship, and societal breakdown during a pandemic. Written before the COVID-19 pandemic, it eerily mirrors real-world events, capturing fears of societal collapse and panic.

In *Explore Everything: Place-Hacking the City*, Bradley L. Garrett recounts his adventures with the London Consolidation Crew, an urban exploration collective. The book reclaims the city as a realm of endless adventure, challenging conventional urban experiences by exploring hidden and forbidden spaces. It combines elements of philosophy, politics, and adventure to redefine our understanding of the twenty-first-century metropolis.

London Rising: Illicit Photos from the City's Heights is a book that showcases the city of London through unauthorized photographs taken from its rooftops and other elevated vantage points. The book offers a unique perspective on urban exploration and the city's architectural landscape. It is co-authored by Bradley L. Garrett, Alexander Moss, and features a foreword by McKenzie Wark.

This book takes readers through the hidden layers of London, showcasing a world of hand-laid brick sewers, forgotten tube stations, World War II evacuation shelters, and secret government bunkers. It features stunning photos and stories from Garrett's explorations with urban explorers, offering a unique perspective on London's subterranean architecture. The book includes bespoke map illustrations by artist Stephen Walter.