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Cosmos

By: Carl Sagan
Narrated by: LeVar Burton, Seth MacFarlane, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ann Druyan
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Editorial reviews

Editors Select, June 2017

As a big fan of Neil deGrasse Tyson's recent documentary series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, which honors Carl Sagan's original work from 1980, I was excited to listen to Sagan's companion book - now available in audio for the first time. While I was a bit too young to catch Sagan's docuseries, LeVar Burton's Reading Rainbow did heavily influence my childhood, and this may be why my brain seemed primordially attuned to learn from Burton's voice. He's the perfect narrator for untangling complicated scientific subjects as well as highlighting their moments of majesty. I legit feel smarter for having listened to Cosmos, and I'll also never be able to forget why medieval Catholic monks first domesticated rabbits (hint: it wasn't because they were cute). —Emily, Audible Editor

Publisher's Summary

Cosmos is one of the bestselling science books of all time. In clear-eyed prose, Sagan reveals a jewel-like blue world inhabited by a life form that is just beginning to discover its own identity and to venture into the vast ocean of space. Featuring a new Introduction by Sagan's collaborator, Ann Druyan, and a new Foreword by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos retraces the fourteen billion years of cosmic evolution that have transformed matter into consciousness, exploring such topics as the origin of life, the human brain, Egyptian hieroglyphics, spacecraft missions, the death of the Sun, the evolution of galaxies, and the forces and individuals who helped to shape modern science.

Includes introductory music: Heaven and Hell by Vangelis from Cosmos: A Personal Voyage used with permission from Druyan-Sagan Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.

©1980 Carl Sagan Productions, Inc (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Foreword © 2013 by Ann Druyan. “Reflections on Carl Sagan’s Cosmos” essay © 2013 by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

What listeners say about Cosmos

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This is a real eye opener.

Loved this book. Audible is the way to read it. Narrated well. Thank you Audible

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2 people found this helpful

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Uplifting and Entertaining.

The presentation by Levar Burton is excellent. The story by Carl Sagan is inspiring & uplifting.

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Brillant

Very easy listening, insightful and mostly still relevant today.

Written by a true genius and read by amazing people.

Loved it.

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4 people found this helpful

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A book everyone should read

Cosmos is one of those books that only grows in relevance as time goes on. The final words on war and humanity's journey in the cosmos are incredibly poignant and Carl's writing is as fresh and insightful as if it were written today. Great performance from Burton, and the introductions are wonderful, especially Ann Druyan's which was particularly moving. If you want to become a better human, get this book.

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1 person found this helpful

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A seminal legacy but for the narration

The only drawback is the overacting in the narration. The strong accents are distracting so I can only listen in small doses.

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incredible

an incredible insight into carl sagans cosmic perspective. An absolute must listen for anyone interested in astronomy or science in general.

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Informative and interesting

Great book, so much information between the pages about our universe ranging from history to the imagination of what shapes the world around us. A must read to get information on what interests you in the universe and our world.

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Still outstanding and glorious

Not just a great and still vividly consistent account of our planet and universe, but a movingly prescient argument for the humanist enlightenment philosophy. I listened to the account of the mob lynching Hypatia in Alexandria, the same day I saw details of the insurrection of the Capitol in Washington DC 2021, and could not surpress a physical shudder.

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Very heavy...but entertaining

If your even contemplating reading this book. Then you will already know the difference between a quasar and a quark. Its a very thought provoking book.....I think a better title would be "Life the universe and everything!"

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A book that gets you hooked on cosmology & science

I've always had a little interest in cosmology and science but this book has sparked a fire in me.

I will be listening to his more recent books, I just want to learn more would be great for any kids around 15-16 that aren't interested in science I think this could really change their views!

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