I Contain Multitudes; The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life

A Revolutionary Look at the Hidden World Within and Around Us

A New York Times Notable Book · NPR Great Read · Best Book of the Year: The Economist, Smithsonian, Science Friday, Kirkus, The Guardian, and more

From Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Yong comes a fascinating, eye-opening exploration of the unseen world that shapes all life on Earth. In this groundbreaking and wondrously informative book, Yong reveals the profound role microbes play in everything from human health to deep-sea survival—offering a radically reimagined view of life itself.

Every living creature—from humans to squid to wasps—hosts an astonishing array of microbes, shaping who we are in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Far from just disease-causing germs, these microscopic organisms protect us from illness, build our immune systems, and even influence our behaviors. Deep in the ocean, animals without mouths or guts rely entirely on microbes for sustenance. Bacteria grant squid invisibility, help beetles destroy forests, and empower parasitic worms to spread devastating diseases.

Blending cutting-edge science, captivating storytelling, and sharp wit, Yong takes readers on a journey into the microbial world, introducing the scientists uncovering its secrets and the astonishing discoveries reshaping biology. This book will transform how we see nature, our bodies, and our place in the world.