This relative young field of science seemes to change its name every few years to cause some excitement. But for those who are familiar with the subjects it deals with, it's clear that this is not necessary. Exobiology (well, choose one of the other names if you don't like this one) is a wide-range-field: It tries to explain the origins of life on Earth as well as the processes necessary for life to arrise in the universe. From the Big Bang to the development of rational beings. And it explores the problem of life on other planets. Jean Heidmann, a dedicated Bioastronomer, gives a detailed overview about the subject. Speculative, but with grounded scientific arguments. And he provides insights into current projects that are dedicated to the search for life in the universe, ranging from extraterrestrial planetfinder devices to probes that visited Mars. I recomend this Book to everyone who wants to inform him/herself about the possibility of primitive/advanced life in the universe. It represents a good introduction for those who set a foot on new terrain, and provides new information for those who are familiar with the subject. Every page of the book contains tons of information on the topic and I had to read it several times to remember all the stuff Heidmann presents. Highly readable!