Cosmos: A Personal Voyage

You don't expect someone whose obvious forte is mathematics and science to be a fantastic writer to boot, but Carl Sagan writes beautifully indeed. I'll try to make this review as useful as possible. The subject matter varies between chapters, with some of them more scientifically dense (and therefore fascinating) and others are historically informative. Here is a basic topic of chapters (not in order):-A chapter putting into perspective how little we know and how many wondrous things there are yet to discover about our existence-A chapter on Venus, among other planets and bodies, within our solar system along with musings on why it is habitable or not-A chapter on Mars and everything it has meant to us and was discovered to be like-A chapter devoted to the very first scientific awakening of our race-A chapter that addresses the likelihood of communication with other intelligent life These are just a couple of the chapters. You'll learn about how, scientist by scientist, we amassed the information and knowledge we have to date, and the magnitude and elegance of each of their respective contributions. Carl will teach you about the laws of the universe that everything in it obeys You'll learn not just elementary facts about the planets in our solar system, but the "how" and "why" behind their characteristics and attributes. You will be brought to edge of human knowledge and made to look out into the vast wealth of information left to acquire. You will finish this book with a sense of profound curiosity, deep respect, tremendous awe, and quiet humility.Every chapter has a very nice structure to it, following the same basic template: Ask a question or pose a problem, explain, conclude with a look forward. He never leaves anything unfinished or any stone unturned, so you never get the sense of abrupt subject change. Each chapter is intended to be treated as individual, and so it can be likened to a sentence, ending definitively and conclusively with a period. The reviewer that said this is disorganized is being too obsessive and completely missing the point. The book itself is more of a collection of thought-provoking topics than it is some sort of fictional story meant to "flow". If this is what you are seeking, I suggest going back to fiction. It honestly makes the book easier to read the way Sagan structured it. If you are a religious person and are nervous that his atheism might somehow offend you, I assure you that he is never arrogant, confrontational, or mocking. He is simply a humanist, and is looking only to impart upon his audience a true understanding of how beautiful our existence and the science behind it is. Not only does he deliver facts, but he successfully enlightens you. I can honestly say this is the most profoundly educational book I have ever read. I have never learned so much in just one book. I feel not just more educated and knowledgeable, but wiser as a human. He only tries to dispel the hold that superstition has had and the darkness of ignorance that has haunted us throughout our history. He leaves you to believe whatever you want to believe, while making sure you never make the mistake of attributing truly scientific processes to magic. You may even find a better reason to feel spiritually in touch with our human identity and the meaning of life. That's all up to you how you interpret this, but this is beautiful education and enlightenment, not an offensive attack on anything or anyone. He is a beautiful writer and sometimes, I was blown away by the flow of his words. There were some sentences that were as musical and intricately beautiful as symphony. He is truly a loss to our race, both for his knowledge and his perspective. His is the hand that waves away the smoke, clearing that which is otherwise in plain sight for everyone to see. Do recommend. Would make it compulsory reading if I was a dictator.

If you are interested in reading about life - nearly every aspect of it - then you should probably pick up this book. Although it is not lengthy page-wise, the information and the concepts introduced are so dense and thought-provoking that it feels like this book contains more than it's deceptive page count reveals. Carl Sagan weaves in so much history, science, astronomy, and philosophy, while keeping a very readable writing style, and making the concepts as clear and lucid as possible. I do think having some basic science knowledge is helpful though, because there aren't many illustrations to help visualize some of the more esoteric concepts.I love science, but I think I was most excited by all the instances in this book where Carl Sagan talks about historical precedent and the evolution of our thinking in various matters. Religion is touched on in a very respectful way, and I feel like the point which is made on trying to understand God through our physical surroundings instead of stories written so many years in the past is particularly valid given the scope and awe of the universe. There were also many moments when I was reading that I just had to stop and digest after coming across a particularly eye-opening bit of information. I just loved learning so much through this book. Towards the end, the book starts to delve more into theoretical ideas and personal thoughts which, while interesting, was not as compelling a read for me, but of course this is such a small issue compared to the overall achievement in the breadth and scope of this book.Even though this is a non-fiction book heavily steeped in science, this was a truly exciting read and full of information and ideas that everyone can find benefit from. And I've never had must interest in astronomy, but this book has given me such an interesting perspective that I feel like visiting the nearest observatory!

As an extraordinarily curious kid with a mind aching for answers to this universe, I felt invigorated getting the chance to read this brilliant book. Many atheist authors struggle to convey their true message under the immense pressure to garnish juxtaposition amidst the prevailing religiosity of the world. Not Sagan. He seamlessly crosses the line between science and religion, threading the two together with the careful prose you would surely only expect from a seasoned historian.Rather than trying to proselytize his audience with an immense crescendo of refuting evidence, he describes a universe of such elegance and perfection (or rather imperfection?) that it is nearly impossible not to come to grips with the reality of it all. As a well-read student and Chemical Engineer with plans of grad school and beyond, I spent a lot of spare time in the summer polishing my knowledge with some of the more famous books of physics and quantum mechanics. While it is always an endeavor to engage in the works of Stephen Hawking or some of the modern enthusiasts of the field, I find myself critically vulnerable to this illustration of the Cosmos by Carl Sagan. I can only offer my highest accolades to this book, and it is at least worth a read at some point in everybody's life. Whether you consider science your career or if you are simply a curious reader, I'm more than positive this tale will absorb you into its utter realness and offer some of the finest explanations in modern science.While this surely won't replace your college textbooks, this is an almost necessary pocket aid and motivation to keep with you and learn from. Sagan writes better than almost anyone in his field, so don't miss out.

Maravilhoso, veio tudo certinho, mas demorou 20 dias após a data esperada.

An absolute must for anyone interested in the subject, and even more so for those who are not, because it is a book that takes everyone's attention.

Very good book

però bisogna sapere che NON ci sono immagini (l'edizione originale era illustrata).

Condition of this used book was exactly as stated. Have bought a couple of books from this seller and am very pleased with the service and description of the products.