Carl Sagan's Universe [Paperback]

Yervant Terzian (Editor), Elizabeth Bilson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 13, 1997

Carl Sagan's many contributions to science and society have been profound and far-reaching, influencing millions of people around the world. He carried out significant research in planetary science, was closely associated with the US space program, created the highly acclaimed television series Cosmos, and was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of many best-selling popular science books. Carl Sagan's Universe is a fascinating and beautifully illustrated collection of articles by a distinguished team of authors, and covers the many fields of science, education, policy making, and related areas in which Sagan worked. The book is divided into four sections, the first two of which provide an absorbing overview of the US space program (as well as a complementary account of the Russian program), and of the history and current status of the search for extraterrestrial life. The final two sections deal with the importance of science education in the successful development of a technological society, and of the shaping of science policy in tackling the problems facing us today. Also included is a separate chapter by Sagan himself, discussing the place and role of our planet and mankind in the universe. Written in honour of Carl Sagan's many achievements, this book will fascinate and reward anyone interested in planetary science and exploration, the search for extraterrestrial life, or the role of science in the modern world.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

To millions, the late Carl Sagan became eponymous with the science of cosmology and, in fact, the pursuit of scientific inquiry in general. This book, which followed his death in late 1996, is a collection of essays recounting the many facets of scientific inquiry--from planetary probes to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence--on which he made his mark. Among the noteworthy authors are physicist Kip Thorne and famous debunker James Randi. Carl Sagan's Universe is a touching tribute to a man who left an immutable mark upon modern science.

Review

'This beautifully illustrated book (20 colour plates, many more in black and white) is a fitting tribute by more than 20 of his friends and colleagues to the best-known astronomer of our time ... it is also exhilarating, because it records a vertitable explosion in our knowledge of the universe - an explosion in which Sagan often acted as a fuse ... All the essays are by leading authorities in the field, yet all are accessible to the non-specialist reader. They are full of fascinating and little-known items of information ... Carl Sagan's Universe covers such a vast range of topics ... that I cannot imagine any intelligent reader failing to derive both information and entertainment from it.' Arthur C. Clarke, Times Higher Education Supplement

' ... presentations delivered at a Cornell University symposium, in October 1994, in honour of Sagan's 60th birthday. It is instructive not only in the subjects covered but in the reverence held for Sagan by the presenters: authors, theologians and sociologists.' Mark Freistedt, American Statesman

'... admirably clear and approachable.' New Scientist

'Respect and admiration Carl Sagan commanded amongst colleagues and friends ... Articles include one by Carl Sagan himself ... The book is illustrated with 20 colour plates and many photographs. I found this book absorbing and enlightening and a very fitting tribute to Carl Sagan.' Eric Partridge, Astronomy Now

'Carl Sagan's Universe is a remarkable mélange of thoughts, commentaries, and expositions woven into a set of themes that includes planetary exploration, life in the cosmos, science education, and science, environment and public policy.' Sky and Telescope

'... a worthy memorial to a brilliant and humane scientist of our century.' V. V. Raman, Choice

' ... a very fine piece of work that will interest a wide range of readers'. Nature

'... I would recommend it to all those who share, or who would like to share, Carl Sagan's optimistic vision of the contribution science can make to a hopeful future for humanity.' Ian Crawford, The Observatory

' ... a highly recommended, fascinating, informative and in places provocative read.' Edward Hanna, The Journal of the British Astronomical Association

'... teeming with thoughts and ideas.' The CT

'We have great need for more scientists with Carl Sagan's gift of communication. This is a fitting tribute.' Tony Sheehan, The Open University Geological Society

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1st edition (August 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521576032
• ISBN-13: 978-0521576031
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,624,358 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sagan's Last, But Not His Best...., March 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Carl Sagan's Universe (Paperback)

Written in memory of Carl Sagan, this book is edited by his Chairman at Cornell, Dr. Yervant Terzian. It includes short articles by numerous authors, and shows the breadth of Sagan's interests. It also includes some of Carl Sagan's very last work.

For others who have read _Cosmos_, it is an update on Sagan's views about humanity, life and death. If you liked _Cosmos_, you will probably find this book interesting, as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Read after reading Sagan, June 14, 2001

By 

David Vaughan (NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Carl Sagan's Universe (Paperback)

This book seemed awkward at first, with its structure of lectures ranging from rambles with dim connections to Sagan through to near-hagiography barely sullied by informative content. Fortunately, these proved to be the extremes. It was saved by the range of provocative ideas, both current and historical, which emerge from the authors and implicitly from Sagan himself. Sagan's own talk in the book with a Q&A session recorded, displays both the kindliness and scientific curiousity of his public persona and the clean efficiency with which he deals with fuzzy thinking in a scientific arena. I think one of his directly-authored books is a better introduction to science and to his thinking but if you have read some of those and want to learn more about his range of thought, this book is worth the time.