The Next Apocalypse

The Art and Science of Survival

By: Chris Begley

Narrated by: Keith Sellon-Wright

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

In this insightful book, an underwater archaeologist and survival coach shows how understanding the collapse of civilizations can help us prepare for a troubled future.

Pandemic, climate change, or war: Our era is ripe with the odor of doomsday. In movies, books, and more, our imaginations run wild with visions of dreadful, abandoned cities and returning to the land in a desperate attempt at survival.

In The Next Apocalypse, archaeologist Chris Begley argues that we completely misunderstand how disaster works. Examining past collapses of civilizations, such as the Maya and Rome, he argues that these breakdowns are actually less about cataclysmic destruction than they are about long processes of change. In short: It’s what happens after the initial uproar that matters. Some people abandon their homes and neighbors; others band together to start anew. As we anticipate our own fate, Begley tells us that it was communities, not lone heroes, who survived past apocalypses — and who will survive the next.

Fusing archaeology, survivalism, and social criticism, The Next Apocalypse is an essential listen for anxious times.

©2021 Chris Begley (P)2021 Basic Books

Critic reviews

“An insightful overview of the fantasies and realities of catastrophes...solid popular science.” (Kirkus)

“Begley expertly explains how a doomsday can occur (and includes suggestions on short term survival) but goes easy on the doom, preferring knowledge and preparation over fear and panic.” (Booklist)

“A calm, practical and fascinating look at the worst 'what if' scenario.” (Tristan Gooley)

What will the next apocalypse look like?

How about asking a wilderness survival instructor who is also an anthropologist and archaeologist? After listening to the audiobook I bought a hard copy. Perhaps a better format for a survival book

Captivating, Informative & Thought-Provoking

I loved this book and learned so much! The author covers it all—collapses throughout history, present-day culture, and what needs to happen so we do not experience our own apocalypse in the future. I love how the author intertwines his academic knowledge of archaeology and anthropology with his personal experiences, including living in the Amazon rainforest of Honduras and teaching wilderness survival skills here in the U.S. I highly recommend this book!

Sober look at how disasters actually play out

I like the grounded anthropological viewpoint, historical context, and dissection of mass media portrayals of disaster.

excellent

loved!!! it give you a new perspective on survival skills and concepts of a true apocalypse

Great common sense book for the hopeful.

Thought the book was well written and read. The material is timely and purposeful. Solutions discussed are hopeful and realistic. would recommend to everyone.

Worth the listen but be prepared for opinions.

Not what you think it is, but worth the listen. Mr. Begley mixes a great deal of history and science with some opinion. It identifies many of the false ideas of the next apocalypse and sheds light in what will probably happen.

How to politicize Archeology 101

This book had great potential and somehow the author managed to go woke on archeology.
The first chapter was enough for me to quit listening and ask for a refund. Sorry but this one is a lemon.

liberal propaganda

it's what to expect from your average leftist college peofessor. "Science" is mostly the author's opinion.