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Conversations with Carl Sagan (Literary Conversations)

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As a communicator and popularizer of science Carl Sagan was probably the best known scientist of his time. Although a Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics, his speaking style and his far ranging thoughts about life here on earth and life elsewhere in the universe made him one of the most quoted scientists anywhere. Perhaps this was because of the great interest in space at that time, but that's not important.

Among the large volume and widely based writing that Dr. Sagan did, he also was interviewed by numerous people. Collected here in this book are sixteen interviews given over a period of twenty-six years. The content of the interviews are likewise far ranging. They cover scientific things like the posibility of life on Mars (we still don't know for sure), to life elsewhere in the universe, to communications with other species, the scientific method, religion and life in general.

Up until now these interviews were avaiable only from the individual sources, when available at all. It is great to see them in print once again.

Carl Sagan is best known for his hosting of the PBS series Cosmos but actually has a long history of work in the astronomy field, and an interest in science and space which extends from his childhood - so it's fascinating to learn about his efforts to popularize his interests in CONVERSATIONS WITH CARL SAGAN. Here interviews and profiles discuss all the interests he holds for environment, astronomy, physics, and social issues. Subject chapters blend with interviews to make for a fine survey.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

I love reading how the conversations really happened. He came alive again for me, his passion shines.

I was 'forced' to watch Cosmos in my high school physics class back in 1986. Man, that was probably the best part of high school (except for my time on the debate team). I wish I was more like Mr. Sagan--passionate, articulate, smart and just an all-around swell guy.

I've read just about everything by Mr. Sagan--Broca's Brain, Billions and Billions, etc. So, I found all of the interviews in this book to cover almost everything he has done except in a brief, superficial way.

And I should have expected this. An interview for radio, TV or a magazine is obviously going to be much shorter than anything written by Mr. Sagan.

When Ira Flatow of NPR fame took questions from the audience, the result was predictable. Some lame questions and some softballs. But Mr. Sagan answered the questions with aplomb.

The really early interviews were the most interesting. Knowing the fame he achieved later in life, it was fascinating, almost exciting, to read his interviews when he was a "run of the mill" astrophysicist.

I can't really recommend this for anyone who has read a lot of his work. The interview are simply too "airy". However, if you've seen just Cosmos or read one or two books, then you'll probably find this quite a good read.

This is an outstanding read for anyone who is interested in the big picture. Mr. Sagan is a master of revealing man's folly and stresses the importance of critical thinking skills in todays policy decision making. Science and the scientific method as "the" way to understand the world, could not be made any more clear. We have authority in our leadership, but we do not have experts or professionals. Authority has been wrong in the past and it will be wrong again. Without a self corresting "standard" to which conclusions can be drawn (the scientific method), Dr. Sagan, through his many interviews, eloquently reveals the dangers of errant thinking. Carl Sagans perspective on life is needed now more than ever. This is a must read for any responsible forward thinking individual.

Some insight to one of the greatest minds of our generation. His ability to communicate complicated ideas into ones that even I could understand was an amazing gift that he developed. In this age of ghosts and UFO sightings with Big Foot at the controls shows how much his presense will be missed. Very easy read and most enjoyable.

Book was a good collection of interviews, even though some weren't strictly interviews - but articles containing snippets of Carl Sagan quotes.

... Not to Sagan. He is, as always brilliant and enthusiastic about science and our place in the cosmos, but the midia... well, the first observation on almost every article is about "his looks", for me, it is emblematic of the image obsession of the general midia: first the appearance, then the caracther. Most of the time, in the interviews, you almost can see the interviewer hardly listening to Prof. Sagan, as if looking at the clock and sometimes (lots of times) cuting his speak short, it is announcers time!
But you can't help getting a glimpse of this great man, shinning through the midiatic maze, if it is your first reading on Carl Sagan, buy others, this is it, just a glimpse, he is worth every word.