In the fascinating realms of speculative science and imaginative biology, two titles stand as monumental pillars: All Yesterdays: Unique and Speculative Views of Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals and the seminal work known as All Tomorrows. While one peers backward with a paleontologist's eye, reimagining the lost past, the other gazes forward into a terrifying and wondrous evolutionary future for humanity. Together, they represent the pinnacle of speculative thought, challenging our perceptions of life, time, and possibility. This exploration delves into the unique visions of these twin masterpieces and their profound impact on science, art, and popular culture.
At its core, All Yesterdays is a revolutionary work of paleoart and scientific philosophy. Co-authored by paleontologist Darren Naish and artists John Conway and C.M. Kosemen, the book directly confronts the limitations of traditional dinosaur reconstruction. It argues that we are almost certainly imagining prehistoric animals incorrectly, constrained by familiar poses, shrink-wrapped muscles, and a lack of speculative flesh. The book's brilliance lies in applying modern biological principles—like fat deposits, soft tissue, unusual behaviors, and resting postures seen in contemporary fauna—to creatures like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. What emerges is not a cartoon, but a more scientifically rigorous, yet wildly more alien and plausible, vision of the Mesozoic world.
In stark temporal contrast, All Tomorrows, by C.M. Kosemen (writing as Nemo Ramjet), is a work of speculative evolution and cosmic horror. It narrates the future saga of humanity across millions of years, as our species is genetically manipulated by an alien race, the Qu, into a dizzying array of post-human forms. From the serpentine Sail People to the colonial, hive-minded Gravitals, the story is a profound meditation on evolution, identity, and resilience. While All Yesterdays asks "What were they really like?" All Tomorrows asks "What could we become?" Both share a foundational belief: that evolution is weirder, more creative, and less bound by our aesthetic biases than we dare to imagine.
The artistic and philosophical connection between these works is no accident. C.M. Kosemen is a pivotal creative force behind both. His involvement signifies a shared mission to expand the boundaries of scientific imagination. The speculative biology genre, which both books inhabit, is not about fantasy for its own sake. It is a disciplined exercise in applying known evolutionary rules—natural selection, genetic drift, adaptation—to novel or extreme scenarios. All Yesterdays applies these rules to the incomplete fossil record, while All Tomorrows applies them to a hypothetical future. This methodological kinship makes them essential companion pieces for anyone interested in the science of "what if."
Why has All Yesterdays become such a cornerstone in modern paleontology discourse? Its impact is twofold. First, it has directly influenced a new generation of paleoartists. The "All Yesterdays" movement advocates for chunky, feathered, behaviorally complex dinosaurs that look like real animals, not movie monsters. Second, it has changed public perception. By showcasing dinosaurs sleeping in burrows, displaying vibrant mating colors, or possessing fleshy wattles, the book makes the prehistoric world feel alive and unpredictable. It bridges the gap between academic knowledge and public wonder, a feat few science-art books achieve.
Similarly, the cultural footprint of All Tomorrows is immense. Since its online publication, it has spawned countless video essays, fan art, and philosophical discussions. Its power lies in its narrative structure—it is presented as a future historian's account, giving it a chilling authenticity. The book forces readers to confront deep questions: What defines humanity? Is identity preserved through genetic memory? Can consciousness survive radical bodily transformation? It is a masterclass in using speculative evolution as a tool for existential storytelling, much like All Yesterdays uses it for scientific revelation.
For enthusiasts looking to dive into this mind-expanding genre, All Yesterdays serves as the perfect entry point. Its concise essays paired with stunning, thought-provoking illustrations offer an immediate and accessible intellectual thrill. It teaches you how to see the past with new eyes. From there, the logical and philosophical leap to the far future of All Tomorrows feels natural. Reading them in sequence provides a complete education in the art of biological speculation, from reconstructing lost worlds to inventing new ones.
Ultimately, All Yesterdays and All Tomorrows are more than just books; they are experiences that rewire how you perceive life's narrative. They stand as testaments to the power of interdisciplinary thinking—where science, art, and narrative fiction collide to produce something truly groundbreaking. They challenge the dogma of the past and the anxiety of the future, replacing them with a sense of boundless, curious wonder. In a world often focused on the present, these works are essential guides, reminding us that the story of life, in all its yesterdays and all its tomorrows, is the greatest story ever told.
