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Cosmos  By  cover art

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

RETURNING TO TELEVISION AS AN ALL-NEW MINISERIES ON FOX

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. 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.

Praise for Cosmos

“Magnificent... With a lyrical literary style, and a range that touches almost all aspects of human knowledge, Cosmos often seems too good to be true.” - The Plain Dealer

“Sagan is an astronomer with one eye on the stars, another on history, and a third - his mind’s - on the human condition.” - Newsday

“Brilliant in its scope and provocative in its suggestions...shimmers with a sense of wonder.” - The Miami Herald

“Sagan dazzles the mind with the miracle of our survival, framed by the stately galaxies of space.” - Cosmopolitan

“Enticing...iridescent...imaginatively illustrated.” - The New York Times Book Review

An Audible for Dogs Pick: Make your dog's day. Cesar Millan shares how audiobooks can make dogs happier and calmer. Learn more.
©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.

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What listeners say about Cosmos

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    7,443
  • 4 Stars
    1,362
  • 3 Stars
    373
  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
    60
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    6,854
  • 4 Stars
    1,015
  • 3 Stars
    293
  • 2 Stars
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    95
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    6,746
  • 4 Stars
    1,124
  • 3 Stars
    323
  • 2 Stars
    65
  • 1 Stars
    45

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I was literally sad when it was over.

loved it! What a journey that it takes you through. Simply amazing! I didn't want it to end.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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LaVar Burton should narrate everything.

growing up on reading rainbow is something that im truly greatful for. The excitement in LaVars voice when he would read always managed to lock me into the story. rediscovering Carl Sagans Cosmos in my late 20s was the first time i ever really allowed myself to feel someone elses passion. Carls voice was so engaging and soothing, and his writing so eloquent and impassioned. He truly takes you places. To hear LeVars voice reading Carls words is nothing short of lifechanging. or its just the pot i guess.

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2 people found this helpful

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I is now more smarter then all my frends.

dis book were good. I rate highr then bible, God be prazd, and more fictionel.

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1 person found this helpful

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beautiful collection and reflection of what we are

Ever green content to understand the significance of our existence. Great performance and production of this new classic.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Everybody should hear

Every person would benefit from hearing, reading, and understanding this book. Not just a book about science- a book about life and the things beyond our horizons.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Awe striking book

This book was wonderful and exceed all expectations I could have had, the narration was great I listen while driving amd never once was it difficult to hear, I simply fell in love with this book

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Overacted...disappointing

LeVar Burton belongs on the screen. His reading of this book is way overacted. Phrasing is fine...some emotion is fine, but Burton reads this as if he is reading a romance novel.

In one section, Sagan writes about the thoughts of a ancient human. Burton slows down his reading, lowers the pitch of his voice, and chops the words losing all fluency.

The content is wonderful. The overdone emoting in the reading is disappointing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

One of the go to works for rekindling my hope in the future

I have consumed this great work by Sagan in every format thruout my life. I now add the Audible version to the list and like each time before, I feel lifted. It is so much than a book about the Cosmos and science.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting book if you are interested in science

Carl Sagan's descriptions of how we, as the human race, got to where we are in the universe was very interesting from many religious stand points and theories.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Sagan still Rules!

This performance of Sagan’s Magnum Opus was done with all the respect, reverence and poignancy it deserves. Carl’s words still send the heart soaring with hope for our misguided species, while providing us with a dire warning of the consequences of not living up to what we truly can be. Listening to this left me somewhat saddened that he is no longer with us. In the current political climate. We could really use Carl’s voice of reason.

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