Rating: 
Summary: A MUST READ
Review: As a science student at university I bought this book expecting it to confirm and perhaps broaden my understanding of sceptical thinking, and how too many people do not employ it. Something that I have found frustrating on many an occasion. I was delighted to find that this book was gave me a terrific insight into why sceptical thinking and science should be employed in every possible way. And how failing to do so can result in the direst consequences. Sagan devotes much of the first part of the book to the current fad of alien abduction. This is something that becomes a bit drawn out and boring and in my opinion the only flaw of this book. He does so comparing the many similarities to the role of demons in centuries past. He describes one example of how when scepticism is not used people will devise the most wild and unjust thinking which leads such ordeals as witch hunts. He makes the case that in today's increasingly scientifically dependant western society, people, especially Americans, are abandoning scepticism. Few politicians understand science, and the applicability of it's philosophies. Furthermore the general public is becoming increasingly scientifically illiterate. If this trend continues we could easily slip into another 'dark age' of witch hunts. This book is one of those rare books that I would insist that everyone reads. Far too few people understand that to abandon scepticism, relying upon blind faith and assertions, is to close ones eyes, and abandon all hope of understanding the truth. Demon haunted world is truly a masterpiece. I found it completely engaging, and full of most valuable insights. Demon Haunted world will light the darkness for anyone that reads it.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book to humble excellent books.
Review: This book should be considered mandatory reading for all high school or college students. It is well-written guide to clear thinking and rational thought. Sagan cites hundreds of sources to provide strength to his theories of why people believe in the paranormal (alien abductions, psychics, Uri Geller, etc).
Rating: 
Summary: Raised some good points but too repetitive
Review: this is a book written by a knowledgeable man that has his feet firmly planted on the ground. the basic idea the author tries to deliver is to be logical. plus: the book lists several myths and debunked them with scientific logic and simple explainations. it is all very logical and entertaining. minus: the author tends to repeat himself, it may be due to the fact that he doesnt organize his topics well. he also gives some statistics on how easily people are 'fooled', how people believe too readily in myths; and blames it on the fact that scientific illiteracy is low. he would go on to politicise the issue a little in the last few chapters. this would be a very good book if the author tackles each listed topic individually. however, he tends to cross link and concentrated too much on UFO's. giving only half or a quarter of a chapter to other myths stated in the covers, withcraft, demons and faith healing. it gets tiring at times reading the book. kudo's to the author for being able to make this dry subject entertaining enough, but i'm afraid more effort is needed to make it an easier read. one point he makes that impacts me a lot though, just apply a little scientific logic and we won't be so easily fooled by hoaxes. we have to be scientifically literate first though!
Rating: 
Summary: Useful...But be Careful.
Review: Carl Sagan has written some of the best modern works considering the inherent differences in method of people who view the world logically and scientifically and those who view the world in terms of faith (or as he would likely put it, in terms of superstition). His overall logical method of intelligent skepticism is good--in as much as it applies to considerations of the physical world and provable phenomena. And his call for skepticism is refreshing and well concieved--in as far as it goes. The problems I find inherent in his work are the same that have plagued all materialistic writers since the enlightenment who have attempted to discount metaphysics completely as a result of its flaws (which are admittedly many). He is, however, right that the only method that should be applied to the physical world is that of logic and rationalism. It's important to recognize that the two may exist--but just in different spheres. If this work interests you I would suggest Francis Bacon's "Novum Organum" and any of the philosophical writings of Descartes.
Rating:
Summary: As the title says: A candle in the dark!
Review: This is a great book, full of surprises. It points out how to think skeptically, how to know the difference from science and the rest of the stuff people show everywhere and all the time.
A walk towards real knowledge!
Rating: 
Summary: Carl Sagan should not have strayed into the English dept.
Review: This was a very disappointing book. This book had no real journey to it; rather, it was a ranting of people's acceptance of Pseudo-science. Unfortunately, the book seemed to go round and round and never went anywhere. I was especially disturbed that he was guilty of the same thing that he accused the so-called pseudo-sciences with--lack of facts.
Rating:
Summary: Elegant writing, powerful message. It will make you think.
Review: I think Carl Sagan was preparing for the worst of his declining health when he wrote this book. The book 'Billions & billions' is actually a collection of many of his early writings, so 'Demon haunted world' probably was his last book. And Sagan seems to pour out all of his passion, fondest memory of his parents, concerns for the future of humanity into this book. The book is full of surprising&sobering facts. And his writing style is as elegant and beautiful as any of his other books. Highly recommended for any 'thinking' person.
Rating:
Summary: Pointing the Baloney Detector Kit
Review: The late popualist of darwainian evolution and physics was a great communicator of scientific ideas, theories, and laws. In this book, Carl Sagan addresses the validity of ideas such as aliens, ghosts, faith healers, and pyschics - just to name a few.The first half of the book is outstanding, and though I may disagree on some minor detials, all in all, it is a much needed work for a generation lost in the fine art of critical thinking. Sagan then goes on to discuss critical thinking in "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection." This chapter is a strength and it is here that he quickly, but very intelligently tells teh reader how to develop a 'baloney detctor kit.' He discusses everything from 'Occam's Razor', ad hominem, and argument from authority (unfornuately, Sagan often himself has failed in this area himself, but one cannot be to hard on him, he tells teh reader how to spot it). Though this chapter is not completely exhaustive, it is probablity all someone just introduced to the subject could handel at once. Further, Sagan, who was always quick to critize others, also takes a stab at showing the reader his own mistakes as a sciencetist and how sometimes his baise would get in the way of clear thinking. I have read some of Sagan's other books and have always been impressed with his skill at conveying information in fiction and non-fiction. I have most ofetn disagreed with him and in this book, I sometimes think he goes beyond logic and science himself. However, this is still an excellent book.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've read
Review: This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's the type of book that everyone should read. I found it to be a great treatment of scientific thinking and the differences between "pseudoscience" and real science. After reading this book I found myself constantly trying to apply the concepts from the chapter: The Fine Art of Baloney Detection. A wonderful book and Sagan is a great writer. I highly recommend it.
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Summary: UFOs, Ghosts, and Carl Sagan
Review: Dr. Carl Sagan, scientific populists and evangelists for forensic science and the scientific model of expierment, has written and entertianing, needed, smart, yet, at times flawed book. Regardless of my concerns with some of Sagan's assertions, this book, all in all, is a much needed counter balance to all the "demon-haunted" nonsense that is still prevelant, if not more so now than ever, in the Western world. As one reviewer noted has already noted, the strenth in this book is the first half of the book. Here Sagan is at his best as he demonstrates many of teh false and utterly lack of critical thinking that takes place in the modern world in regards to UFO's, ghost, divination, faith-healers, etc. Of course, Sagan is always waiting to pounce on some religious beliefs, but surprisingly he also does point out some of the falws of scientist when they make assumptions based on strongly held views without using the sientific model (he even allows us, the reader, to view some of his 'goofs'.) His chapter on "Baloney Detection", which is basically a crash course on critical thinking is very good and written at a 'lay persons' level. Though at times, Sagan (especially in his assumption that Darwanian evolution is scientific, it is not, but is a philosophy based on naturalism)seems to forget some of these rules, the points are well written and should be followed. Also, it is too hard to get mad at him, after all, he freely gives the information one needs to see through his errors. Carl Sagan is one of those people, though I stronly disagree with his interpretation on biological maro-evolution and his assertions in theology, I have always admired his ability to write and make scientific jargon easy for all to understand. Though I take issue with some things such as his use of quotes taht set=up a straw man, something he mentions not to do, I found the overall content needed for all people.
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