Cosmos

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Summary: It was my unexpected treasure
Review: This is the first book by Sagan that I read. It was for my high school's summer reading list. At that time, I wasn't really into science, so I read half of it and set it down for almost a year...only to eventually finish it and was amazed by it all! This book lead me into the realm of science (something my public school could not have done alone, or at least it would have been less likely to do so). Though I am not going into astronomy, I am entering a scientific field and I owe it to Carl Sagan!

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Summary: Surely one of the greatest of all books.
Review: I first saw the series COSMOS on TV in about 1980 when I was about 12, and have been searching for similar material ever since. Carl Sagan is able to capture the mystery and the beauty of astronomy, science, art and religion in a way that most poeple can follow, and in a way that is interesting and invigorating. He is a very clear thinker and presenter. And this book, based on that very popular TV series of the same name, I found in an old book store, which I immediately grabbed. Here was something of my childhood, and something very special. The book did not disappoint. It is filled with stunning images, photographs, illustrations, diagrams and so on. And the text is fun, enlightening, clear, visionary, and precise. Not surprising, since it is written by an atronomer at heart.

Carl places the earth on the shores of the cosmic ocean-the title of the first chapter. He traces religious, artistic and scientific investigations into the 'cosmos' throughout the millenia, and the amount of useful historical information he brings up is quite extraordinary. He draws together the thoughts of ancient cultures like the Greeks, Babylonians, Stone Age man, Renaissance thinkers, poets, artists, and famous scientists, and ties these in with many modern discoveries concerning the nature of the universe. One can see his strong leanings on the likelihood of extraterrestial life and the SETI project between the lines, as well as his views on religion and its place in the human psyche. One particularly interesting peice describes the downfall of the old greek science and the destruction of the library at Alexandria, and how these tie in with his views on history, science and religion in general.

Carl Sagan is a very clear and thoughtful writer. It is obvious that his knowledge of human nature and science is vast and humane. He worries much about the mususe of science, and the future of man. This book is a must for lovers of general science, human nature and destiny. As such it is a timeless classic. I'll close with the books closing words:

"For we are the local embodiment of a Cosmos grown to self awareness. We have begun to contemplate our origins:starstuff pondering the stars; organised assemblages of ten billion billion billion atoms considering the evolution of atoms; tracing their long journey by which, here at least, consciousness arose. Our loyalties are to the species and the planet. We speak for earth. Our obligation to survive is owed not just to ourselves but also to that Cosmos, ancient and vast, from which we sprung."

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Summary: The Cosmos revealed in a thought provoking way
Review: I read this book about the time the PBS TV series "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan was on the air. Both the book and the TV series was fascinating and I consider this book one of the best in my Library. Numerous other reviews will give you a good insight into the detail of the subject matter, for me I can say that this is truly a great book and for scientific content is my favorite. Carl has since died but his thought provoking style and clear and understandable discussion of some very complex scientific and cosmological topics is outstanding. A great book to read with hundreds of excellent photographs and diagrams.

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Summary: The Cosmic Poetry of a Brilliant Mind
Review: This is the pinnacle of Sagan's work and has set the standard for all related works. Its brilliance lies in the simplicity in which Sagan explains the complexity of the Universe. However I am not writing this review merely to praise one of mankind's gems, but to bring to light the ignorant remarks of another reviewer, in hopes that others, who are not familiar with Sagan's work will not take them as truths. Sagan was not an atheist and was in fact one of the more spiritual and religious scientific minds the world has ever seen. As proof of this I will quote the last lines of Can We Know the Universe? Reflections on a Grain of Salt..from Broca's Brain:

"A universe that is unknowable is no fit place for a thinking being. The ideal universe for us is one very much like the universe we inhabit. And I would guess that this is not really much of a coincidence."

Those do not sound like the words of an atheist to me. How sad it is when small minds encounter great thoughts.

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Summary: an atheist's quagmire
Review: I was a teenager in India when I watched the TV serial, Cosmos. Unfortunately I was swept away by Sagan's smooth rhetoric and thought Sagan's Science had all the answers. I discarded my Christian faith.

For the next 10 years, I still thought so; I avidly read books like Sagan's "Dragons of Eden", "Boca's Brain" and all the 'Zen...' books and many more.

However I came to a road block. There are questions that they cannot answer - Where did I come from?, Where am I going?, What happens after I die?, and the ultimate, Does my life matter?

The answers to these questions are found only in the words of Jesus. Sagan died a few years ago, a fervent atheist till the end. But I am certain, that where he is right now, he will agree with me (I am sad to say so) with despair.

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Summary: The 'Bible' for Scientists
Review: Sagan gave us a great gift with this work! A diverse collection of fact and belief, Cosmos explains in laymen's terms, very complex theories, astronomical information, and scientific history, as it relates to Earth and space. Well written, and well organized, it provides thought-provoking ideas and concepts in a manner that holds the reader's interest. As entertaining as a classic novel, and informative as a great textbook. Those who enjoyed the PBS series 'Connections' will greatly enjoy it's literary predecessor.

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Summary: Simply the best single volume about how the Earth was born!
Review: "Cosmos" is Carl Sagan's masterpiece! He provides us with a very lucid, understandable history of the Universe and how galaxies, solar systems, planets, and our biosphere came into existence.

This book reaches way out into the farthest reaches of the Universe, as well as deep within each of us explaining the DNA that makes us who we are. Carl Sagan literally touches on every known field of science as he explains how a brilliant flash of cosmic energy that was transformed into matter eventually provided the stuff needed to make you and me.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Not only does it inform, but it truly captivates the imagination and provides the basic groundwork for future ponderings.

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Summary: The Bible Of Science
Review: Carl Sagan's Cosmos was one of the very first books over 300 pages I actually read to completion' when I was young. Even though I didn't understand half of it at the time, it nonetheless had a profound effect on my way of thinking when most kids my age still thought Santa Claus was real.

Cosmos is brilliantly clear and undeniably human. Its simplicity of thought; every paragraph is searching and full of imagination, but always keeps the reader firmly planted on the ground.

Unfortuntely, the original hardcover version of Cosmos is now out of print. The paperback doesn't do this masterwork justice in my opinion so if anyone is interested in obtaining a copy I strongly suggest searching Ebay for the hardcover - as much of this book's wonderous effect was the beautiful illustrations throughout it.

- Louis

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Summary: glorious
Review: i cant describe how much i enjoyed this book. it describes the evolution of the solar system, of life, of civilization, and of science. it explains what humanity knew and didnt know at different points in our history, and the astounding contribution of different men and women to that knowledge. i have been fascinated by astronomy since the age of 5, but i have never had such a clear mental picture of the ridiculous scope and breadth of our universe. i dont believe i have ever been more satisfied after reading a book. the best damn 5 or 6 dollars i have ever spent. there isnt a person alive i dont recommend this to. i encourage you to purchase this book, it may show you how futile and feeble our everyday desires are.

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Summary: A Voyage of the imagination
Review: Cosmos was the foundation of my life and dreams, Dr. Sagan made me dream that I could reach the stars and travel far in space and time. His 13 episodes TV series is of the best that has been aired in all the history of the TV and this book allows you to relive those magical moments. After reading this book you will feel that your mind and understanding of the universe has been enhanced and you'll be one with the Cosmos. We are stardust and we are the conscience of the Universe.