Hodder Press signs second 'dazzling' book from scientist Brendborg

Hodder Press has signed The Blue Egg from molecular scientist and Royal Society Science Book Prize-shortlisted author Nicklas Brendborg. 

UK and Commonwealth rights were acquired by editorial director Anna Baty from Paul Sebes at the Sebes & Bisseling Literary Agency. It will publish in early 2025. 

The Blue Egg looks at "superstimuli" which are "exaggerated versions of what an animal (including a human) is naturally attracted to; things that are bigger, more colourful or stronger than would ever be found in nature". Brendborg "reveals how our natural instincts and desires are hijacked by powerful forces that create superstimuli to make us addicted to food, social media, entertainment, and more. He shows how these bad habits affect our health, happiness, and productivity – and how we can use science to regain our freedom and control." 

Brendborg’s first book Jellyfish Age Backwards (Hodder & Stoughton) is shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize 2023 and won the German Non-fiction Prize. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Copenhagen and commented: "The second book in my trilogy has been received even better at home than Jellyfish Age Backwards. I’m beyond excited to get it out into the wider world." 

Baty said: "Nicklas is a fantastic talent and we are thrilled to be publishing his next equally dazzling book at Hodder Press. In his new book, Nicklas reveals how our brains and bodies respond to our environment in potentially dangerous ways, while cleverly drawing on the natural world to give us insights into human behaviour. We’re delighted that Nicklas’ talent has been recognised by the Royal Society Science Book Prize too, as the youngest shortlisted author in the prize’s history."