RETURNING TO TELEVISION AS AN ALL-NEW MINISERIES ON FOX Cosmos is one of the bestselling science books of all time. In clear-eyed prose, Sagan reveals a jewel-like blue world inhabited by a life form that is just beginning to discover its own identity and to venture into the vast ocean of space. Cosmos retraces the fourteen billion years of cosmic evolution that have transformed matter into … have transformed matter into consciousness, exploring such topics as the origin of life, the human brain, Egyptian hieroglyphics, spacecraft missions, the death of the Sun, the evolution of galaxies, and the forces and individuals who helped to shape modern science.
Praise for Cosmos
“Magnificent . . . With a lyrical literary style, and a range that touches almost all aspects of human knowledge, Cosmos often seems too good to be true.”—The Plain Dealer
“Sagan is an astronomer with one eye on the stars, another on history, and a third—his mind’s—on the human condition.”—Newsday
“Brilliant in its scope and provocative in its suggestions . . . shimmers with a sense of wonder.”—The Miami Herald
“Sagan dazzles the mind with the miracle of our survival, framed by the stately galaxies of space.”—Cosmopolitan
“Enticing . . . iridescent . . . imaginatively illustrated.”—The New York Times Book Review
NOTE: This edition does not include images.
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Sagan’s especial talent for translating accurate scientific information into easily consumed laymen’s language, along with infusing the factual material with his own genuine enthuiasm and sense of wonder is a winning combination. No wonder he inspired a book and a series of shows. Learn while enjoying!
Many scientific new facts were discovered after this book was written, but that does not invalidate the enchantment of the connections Carl Sagan reveal to the wonder of the reader. I have read it many times, but its always new to me.
I initially considered giving this book only four stars because subsequent scientific discovery has made some of the material less “magical” than when it was first published, but I HAD to give Cosmos five stars. It is not just a “textbook” (nor was it ever intended to be, I imagine); it is a key for unlocking doorways to ever-expanding experiences. This book–and the accompanying TV series–has impacted my life in so many ways that I can’t begin to chronicle them all here. Read this book; take in the TV programs if you can find them; expand your understanding.
Thank you, Carl!
(RIP)
Carl Sagan was a marvelous writer for a scientific academic. This book lived up to his abilities, and spawned the PBS series that captivated millions of viewers.
I actually read the original, 1980’s copy, without the foreword from Neil. To say this book is inspirational would be an understatement. Carl Sagan was a brilliant man. Alongside his writing, he includes illustrations that are stunning. I also learned a lot of history that was not discussed when I was in school. This is a fascinating and educational book!
A must read for anyone who is interested in space and science
An excellent book to explain the complex universe in terms you can understand. Carl Sagan was an expert in relating fascinating scientific info.
Good
Dr Sagan introduced the universe to a whole generation.
We can easily say that this is a book which has which has made more than any book before and after her book is a, Colossal popularization between science and simple man.
Carl Sagan’s view of the natural world is inspirational. It makes you see the wonders of reality and the insignificance of the supernatural in out lives.
Incredible read for a work of non-fiction.
Eye opening. This is the book that started my dreaming. It made me realize that there is so much out there for us to explore.
Carl Sagan is the best at bringing the vastness and the wonder of the universe right to your door
I’m ending this list at the beginning—my beginning, anyway. Carl Sagan and his Cosmos book and TV series were where my space geekery began. Cosmos is one of the bestselling science books of all time. In clear-eyed prose, he reveals a jewellike blue world inhabited by a life form that is just beginning to discover its own identity and to venture into the vast ocean of space. Cosmos retraces the 14 billion years of cosmic evolution in all its mind-blowing beauty.
While a bit dated, its everyman focus and literate style makes a fascinating read into a world most of us just take a peek at.
Great book with lots of information about the Universe.
One of the best popular science books evet.
Like many purveyors of scientism, Carl Sagan builds a house of cards to defend and propagate his humanistic philosophy.
Sagan’s most popular work. When I first saw the Cosmos series on PBS, I was hooked. Already a science nerd in high school at the time, Cosmos captures my imagination and provided the WOW factor surrounding our current understanding of the nature of our cosmos as well as asking the questions still awaiting an answer. The book is a great stand-alone work or a great companion to the PBS series.