"This is a thrilling and delightful book. It opens a treasure chest of fascinating insights into our most neglected ecosystem." --George Monbiot, author of Feral "Vital, brilliant, wholly absorbing--this rich weave of soil science and stories that connect us with the tiny creatures we rarely see is as diverse and finely tuned as the life of the soil itself. It is a masterpiece of science writing, and a subject that is the most important of all to our own survival." --Isabella Tree, co-author of The Book of Wilding "This book has massive, understated charm. I used merely to like earthworms. Now I truly admire them. Ashwood has made soil science enchanting.

" --Noreen Masud, author of A Flat Place "If there's one thing we're going to need in the future, it's healthy soil. Terrestrial life depends on it. We find ourselves at a critical juncture in our history, and what we do now will determine our survival. I sincerely hope we heed the message of this significant book. Quite simply magnificent." --George McGavin, Oxford University Museum of Natural History "A fascinating journey into the hidden life of soil and its vital importance for people and the planet . Engaging and full of surprises, it will transform the way you see the ground beneath your feet and is a must read for anyone interested in the natural world." --Richard Bardgett, CBE, Lancaster University "In this illuminating exploration, ecologist and debut author Ashwood escorts readers beneath the surface of the natural world to reveal the astonishing complexity and importance of soil ecosystems .

He combines accessible science writing with a palpable sense of wonder, enlivening discussions of nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and biodiversity with memorable examples . This transforms an often-overlooked ecosystem into a source of awe and urgent concern." -- Publishers Weekly.