Journalist Weisman offers an original approach to questions of humanity's impact on the planet. Drawing on the expertise of engineers, atmospheric scientists, art conservators, zoologists, oil refiners, marine biologists, astrophysicists, religious leaders, and paleontologists, he illustrates what the planet might be like today if humans disappeared.

Prelude : A monkey koan -- A lingering scent of Eden -- Unbuilding our home -- The city without us -- The world just before us -- The lost menagerie -- The African paradox -- What falls apart -- What lasts -- Polymers are forever -- The petro patch -- The world without farms -- The fate of ancient and modern wonders of the world -- The world without war -- Wings without us -- Hot legacy -- Our geologic record -- Where do we go from here? -- Art beyond us -- The sea cradle -- Coda : our earth, our souls.