Cosmos

Product Description
The best-selling science book ever published in the English language, COSMOS is a magnificent overview of the past, present, and future of science. Brilliant and provocative, it traces today's knowledge and scientific methods to their historical roots, blending science and philosophy in a wholly energetic and irresistible way.


Cosmos was the first science TV blockbuster, and Carl Sagan was its (human) star. By the time of Sagan's death in 1996, the series had been seen by half a billion people; Sagan was perhaps the best-known scientist on the planet. Explaining how the series came about, Sagan recalled:

I was positive from my own experience that an enormous global interest exists in the exploration of the planets and in many kindred scientific topics--the origin of life, the Earth, and the Cosmos, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, our connection with the universe. And I was certain that this interest could be excited through that most powerful communications medium, television.

Sagan's own interest and enthusiasm for the universe were so vivid and infectious, his screen presence so engaging, that viewers and readers couldn't help but be caught up in his vision. From stars in their "billions and billions" to the amino acids in the primordial ocean, Sagan communicated a feeling for science as a process of discovery. Inevitably, some of the science in Cosmos has been outdated in the years since 1980--but Sagan's sense of wonder is ageless. --Mary Ellen Curtin

The Sage of NOW & the future
Carl Sagan was (sadly not an IS) the prime conveyor of knowledge of our Universe..
His ability to convey to the common man how "Things worked" has never been surpassed. Simply put... He had his own way of sharing this knowledge, that will never be surpassed by anyone.... His imprint is here in this "COSMOS"... and there isn't any more definitive book or other wise that is available to the average man, that will suffice...

Mind Opening
Excellent book, well written and captivating. Takes you on a journey from the beginning of time to the possible future and explains concepts in new ways unlike every before. You feel strange and uncomfortable in your own skin afterwards, alien. You realize that in this world there is only scientific truth.

My mom made me watch it & i loved it!
Seriously. I was born shortly before this was made. Good grief. I think like so many reviewers, they grew up with Sagan books and tapes, thus always in the back of my mind there was something from him around the table. Watching and reading Sagan is very peaceful and it feels like growing up again. The star stuff is cool, but there are lots of programs far better than this out there. Sagan though is Sagan. Can't think of another Astronomer I like better. That Zeth Showstack (SETI) guy is cool though.

Wonderful Book
Carl Sagan's works inspired me as a child and in many ways and lead me down a path to become a teacher. There are other books that are more up-to-date than this, however, there is a bit of Sagan magic in this one that still shines. I love sharing this book with my young students.

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