The End of Night (book)
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Paul Bogard |
| Products | Non-fiction book |
The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light is a 2013 factual work by Paul Bogard that investigates the vanishing presence of genuine darkness in most nocturnal environments, primarily due to light pollution. Bogard examines how this diminishing darkness affects human well-being, societal dynamics, and natural habitats, while also exploring possible approaches to reduce its impact.
This book has been made available in several languages, including Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Synopsis
The narrative is organized around the nine tiers of the Bortle scale, a tool used to gauge sky brightness and its appropriateness for astronomy. Bogard highlights the significance of defining these distinct darkness categories to better understand what is being lost.
Beginning at Bortle level 9 near the Luxor Sky Beam on the Las Vegas Strip, Bogard surveys urban illumination in metropolises such as London and Paris. He also visits various sites throughout the United States, along with locations like Florence, the Canary Islands, and the island of Sark. His exploration includes assessing light pollution’s consequences through personal experiences like night shift work and interviews, including one with an ex-prisoner who describes the psychological effects of continuous exposure to artificial light. The journey culminates at a Bortle level 1 location—a secluded area devoid of stray lighting where the Milky Way is bright enough to cast shadows.
Bogard disputes the common belief that increased lighting deters crime, referencing research that shows no direct link. Rather than promoting absolute darkness at night, he advocates for carefully planned artificial lighting that ensures safety while minimizing glare and other detrimental outcomes.
Reception
Stephanie Cross, writing for Telegraph, remarked that Bogard’s enthusiasm and the variety of individuals he encounters enrich the book’s appeal. In The Guardian, author Salley Vickers commended Bogard’s spirited method but noted that the book sometimes moves too rapidly through personal stories. The Wall Street Journal expressed skepticism about some assertions regarding illumination and security, ultimately describing The End of Night as a compelling yet partial critique of our excessively lit environment.
Awards
Among its accolades, the book earned the 2014 Nautilus Silver Award, was highlighted as an Amazon Best Book of the Month and Nonfiction Editor's Pick in July 2013, and was recognized by Gizmodo as one of 2013’s Best Books. It was also shortlisted for the PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award and reached finalist status for the Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award.