The Big Book of Mars

Marc Hartzman Quirk Books £19.99 • PB

The Red Planet has captured our imagination since ancient times, but when we thought that we had discovered canals etched across its surface in the late 19th century, speculation went into overdrive and we have obsessed over the possibility of Martian life and civilisations ever since.

The Big Book of Mars chronicles that fascination and introduces us to a parade of characters. There are noted scientists with their theories about how to search out and make contact with life on Mars and what that life might look like, through to complete crackpots who claimed to already be in regular psychic conversation with our near planetary neighbours. Scientific robotic missions to search for signs of life are discussed, as well as the many plans afoot to attempt to establish a human colony there.

Mars has had a huge influence on our popular culture, from the novel and infamous radio production of The War of the Worlds that caused panic across America in 1938, through to television, music, cartoons and sci-fi movies like A Trip to Mars (1918) and The Martian (2015). All are mentioned here, the good, the bad and the barmy.

The writing style is informal and chatty, and the text is well illustrated. You won’t find much hard science here, nothing about Mars formation, composition or orbit. Perhaps the title is a little misleading in that respect, suggesting a more comprehensive look at the Red Planet itself, but nonetheless it’s an enjoyable celebration of our relationship with Mars. ★★★★★