Cosmos cover art

Cosmos

A Personal Voyage

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Cosmos

By: Carl Sagan
Narrated by: LeVar Burton, Seth MacFarlane, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ann Druyan
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About this listen

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. Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Biological Sciences Cosmology Earth Sciences Physics Science Thought-Provoking Funny

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Editor 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
All stars
Most relevant  
fantastic content and a narrator that really believes in what he's saying. enjoyed every minute and learnt a lot.

great read

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I loved watching the TV series in the early 80's and this book has brought back good memories.
It has stood the test of time well and is still very relevant.
The narration is very good and well paced throughout.

Excellent Listen

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Bought this as part of the Christmas promotion. watched the TV series back in the day. Things have moved on but this is still very relevant and enjoyable. I would recommend.

Enjoyable

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I fear we will end up destroying ourselves before we unite to achieve Sagan's enlightened dream.

A remarkable range of concepts.

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This is really quite brilliant. I was put off reading this as I wondered would all / most of the science be out of date 40 years later. Not only is that not the case, but the philosophical, historical and political discussions throughout the book are all at the very top level. He ruminates on life on other planets, the evolution of humans, the spiralling galaxies. At the same time he is an outstanding science communicator.

Wonderful stuff. LeVar Burton reads perfectly.

Stellar

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A magnificently interesting, entertaining and informative work. it should be standard reading for all mid-teens at school and for all adults with an inquisitive mind. It's as compelling and relevant today, in 2023, as it was when first written. Carl had an unmatched ability to articulate complicated theories and concepts in a way which entralls and informs. 5 stars all around.

Magnificent

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That the cosmos has come to contemplate itself through consciousness is a miraculous thing. It is also in its infancy. That fire has kindled on the third rock from a star somewhere in the Milky Way galaxy. Can it avoid extinguishing itself?

Still wonderfully relevant

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such a good book, really pleased with it. only gripe is that i didn't listen to it sooner. so many years after its publication and most of it is still relevant, good and bad. the fact that Cmdr LaForge is narrating it is just a bonus; he's got a great voice and puts a lot of emotion in it which keeps you listening intently.

excellent

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LeVar Burton’s narration is perfect: one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to.

Carl Sagan’s writing inspires wonder, fascination, and thoughtfulness. The text moves seamlessly from modern astroscience, through ancient history, to evolutionary biology and moral philosophy.

A long read/listen but worth the investment of time!

Awesome science, fascinating history, thoughtful philosophy

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The story and narration paint vivid pictures for the listener. Excellent throughout really enjoyed this.

First audible sets bar high!

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