Overview
According to the author, the impetus for writing this survey of cutting-edge medical, scientific, computing, robotics and environmental trends, was a sudden appreciation of his own mortality and a subsequent desire to learn more about the kind of world in which the rest of his life would be played out. The resulting 'tour of the future' unfolds in the form of a travelogue that takes the writer around the world to meet thought leaders and professionals working at what might be described as 'the scientific horizon'. Drawing on his background as a comedian, the author adopts a tone and style that are breezy and the text is dotted with one-liners and wry observations.Critical review
The book received largely positive reviews in the UK, US and Australian press, in the blogosphere and on bookseller sites. Most often praised were the book's breadth (Wired's Geek Dad called it "a very coherent and entertaining journey through the world of future technology"), balance (The Guardian described the book as "a measured effort to take stock of the reasons for hope, and to keep faith with the enlightenment project"), approachable style (Brainpickings.org wondered if the book might be "our generation's version ofTranslated editions
As of November 2015, there were nine translated editions available: Dutch, German, Spanish, Turkish, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Korean and Polish.References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Optimists Tour Of The Future 2011 non-fiction books Avery Publishing books