Product Description

In 1973, Carl Sagan published The Cosmic Connection, a daring view of the universe, which rapidly became a classic work of popular science and inspired a generation of scientists and enthusiasts. This seminal work is reproduced here for a whole new generation to enjoy. In Sagan’s typically lucid, lyrical style, he discusses many topics from astrophysics and solar system science, to colonization of other worlds, terraforming and the search for extraterrestrials. Sagan conveys his own excitement and wonder, and relates the revelations of astronomy to the most profound human problems and concerns: issues that are just as valid today as they were 30 years ago. New to this edition are Freeman Dyson’s comments on Sagan’s vision and the importance of the work, Ann Druyan’s assessment of Sagan’s cultural significance as a champion of science, and David Morrison’s discussion of the advances made since 1973 and what became of Sagan’s predictions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #631950 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 301 pages

Review
‘This book … is a monument to a great man who succeeded, in spite of failures and disappointments, in changing our view of our planet and changing the way we think about the universe.’ Freeman Dyson, author of Origins of Life

‘The astronomical discoveries we are in the midst of making are of the broadest human significance. If this book plays a small role in broadening public consideration of these exploratory ventures, it will have served its purpose.’ Carl Sagan

‘ … engaging and even rhapsodic.’ Philip Morrison, Scientific American

‘Carl Sagan is a scientist of quality, who is also a writer of quality. [With] great intelligence, wit, and insight [The Cosmic Connection] is a success on every level.’ Washington Post

‘Sagan’s writing can still inspire and stimulate. It deserves to be read by a new generation of scientists, scientifically inclined citizens, and indeed by any person with an interest in our place, and our future, in the cosmos.’ Ian Crawford, The Observatory

‘Because [Carl Sagan] lived, the world’s a better place.’ Keay Davidson, Biographer ‘A Milestone in Popular Science Writing.’ Astronomy

About the Author
Carl Sagan was the David Duncan Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences and Director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University. He played a leading role in the Mariner, Viking and Voyager missions to the planets and briefed the Apollo astronauts before their flights to the Moon. He helped solve many mysteries in planetary science from the high temperature of Venus to the seasonal changes on Mars. For his unique contributions, he was awarded the NASA Medals for Exceptional Scientific Achievment and for Distinguished Public Service (twice), as well as the Tsiolkovsky Medal of the Soviet Cosmonautics Federation, the John F. Kennedy Award of the American Astronautical Society and the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Space Education.

Customer Reviews

Both Humbling and Optimistic
From the get go, Cosmic Connection is a book that is accessible in terms of its language, ideas and themes. Those who expect a book that is weighed down by dry facts and figures, or a list of dates regarding the development of space exploration would be very disspointed.

Sagan comes across as a school kid (albeit one who has a degree) who has never lost his enthusiasm for the subject of astronomy. The ideas are epic in scale, but never descend into technical jargon. While he places us in scale to the rest of the universe, being small and almost lost in the cosmic ocean, at the same time he attaches value to each and every human life. Its a wonderfully optimistic view that perhaps human society has forgotten these days. And while many see globalisation as a something to be feared, he saw it as a maturing of human society.

Its thrilling account of the development of space exploration (up to the 1970's), its possible future and finally a somewhat philosophical outlook of the future of human's in the cosmic community.

This man, judging by his writing, had a vision. In this day in and age the Cosmic Connection should be compulsory reading to remind us to put aside our petty concerns and hatred and face the universe a trully united human race. Its humbling, optimistic and perhaps a tad too idealistic. But heh its a damn nice vision.