Unser Kosmos. Eine Reise durch das Weltall.
by Carl Sagan
published
1991
by Droemer Knaur
edit
binding
Broschiert, 376 pages
isbn
3426040530
(isbn13: 9783426040539)
Sign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of this book.
discuss this book
| topics | replies | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Why Everyone Needs to Read This Book | 1 | 4 | 28 days ago, 02:50PM |
groups with this book
friend reviews (0)
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
lists with this book
Where's the love? Add this book to your favorite list.
other reviews (showing 1-20 of 1633)
Read in December, 2006
recommends it for:
EVERYONE
Stunning, beautiful prose, excellent description and metaphor, incredibly accessible. Its also one of those books where you get to see the author's own genius slip into the pages accidentally, every so often. This book is the book A Brief History of Time wants to be. Problem is, ABHOT is much more boring and high concept. Sagan is and ever will be the great teacher of the masses in my opinion. This book starts out simpler than ABHOT - here on earth. It begins with what you know and slowly expand...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in August, 2008
recommends it for:
puny carbon-based life-forms crawling on this mostly-wet little planet
A gorgeous book in every possible way. From the lush illustration and clever diagrams clear through to Sagan's lyrical and at times whimsical narrative, this is the science book for non-scientists. (And if you are a scientist, may this be a lesson in how to tell your story.) Sagan makes the astronomy and the math and the mind-boggling complexity of the universe not only comprehensible but palatable. He wraps up our history as a species into the history of the universe (such that we ca...more
Like this review?
yes
(2 people liked it)
5 comments
Read in August, 2008
I was fairly disappointed in the way this book began. For a book called the "Cosmos" it certainly was preoccupied with human history for nearly the first half of the book.
Several aspects of the book are out of date, but I guess that is to be expected in an evolving field and a book written over 25 years ago. The most obvious is that he quotes an incorrect speed of light (though close). Also don't expect any discussion of dark matter / dark energy / string theory, M theory, mult...more
Several aspects of the book are out of date, but I guess that is to be expected in an evolving field and a book written over 25 years ago. The most obvious is that he quotes an incorrect speed of light (though close). Also don't expect any discussion of dark matter / dark energy / string theory, M theory, mult...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 1981
Sagan is no doubt a legend in astronomy and astrophysics.
Carl stated repeatedly that he can't fully fathom what an otherworldly being would look like because his perception of life is not only bound to a single speck in the universe but is also bound to a single strata of life (as a mammal himself.) I couldn't agree more - we are so very limited in our comprehension of the universe and the "billions and billions" of bits of information yet to be recognized as even existing. However,...more
Carl stated repeatedly that he can't fully fathom what an otherworldly being would look like because his perception of life is not only bound to a single speck in the universe but is also bound to a single strata of life (as a mammal himself.) I couldn't agree more - we are so very limited in our comprehension of the universe and the "billions and billions" of bits of information yet to be recognized as even existing. However,...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in August, 2008
recommends it for:
Absolutely everybody
Let's put it simply. Cosmos is required reading for everyone who lives on this planet. It will give you a sense of perspective that nothing else can -- no lofty ideology, no omniscient religion, no inspiring quotations can explain things quite as clearly as Carl Sagan's treatise on science, reality, and the nature of things in this universe. Mind-bending and dazzling, and best of all, uncluttered by confusing scientific terminology. A book worthy of all the positive superlatives I can think of b...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in June, 2008
Definitely the viewpoint of a scientific secular humanist (and an astronomer, to be exact) about everything he thinks is important, but a good read all the same.
His opinion of why ancient Ionian science did not take root and create a technical civilization (as did the later science of the Renaissance) is a sociological argument. He thinks that the widespread practice of slavery prevented an interest in the reduction of manual labor that is essential to the progress of technology. Possibly t...more
His opinion of why ancient Ionian science did not take root and create a technical civilization (as did the later science of the Renaissance) is a sociological argument. He thinks that the widespread practice of slavery prevented an interest in the reduction of manual labor that is essential to the progress of technology. Possibly t...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in September, 2008
recommends it for:
everyone!
Wow. And again, wow. Beautifully written, profound yet accessible. Sagan simplifies the most difficult scientific concepts to a level us "normal" folks can understand, yet he never waters it down or insults our intelligence. The reverence and awe he expresses toward the Cosmos and the complexities of life on our planet cannot but engender the same feelings in us. I did lose interest a bit in the chapters where he focused heavily on the search for life on other planets; while I agree th...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in June, 2008
Pretty great for getting you fired up about science (especially space). Sagan is great at the PBS-nature-documentary-narrator style of description. He also gives a lot of historical background for astronomical concepts. Where the book falters is in the hard facts of science: it seems to spend too much time on easy-to-understand, fundamental concepts and not nearly enough on the complicated ones. He spends a lot of time making arbitrary guesses at the nature of the universe ("Perhaps [aliens...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in July, 1985
recommends it for:
anyone with an interest in science
The best book ever written.
A masterful work encompassing the whole of human existence and the universe, with a focus on science.
Sagan discusses
- evolution,
- Kepler, astrology and acceptance of truth in spite of what outcome is desired,
- Venus and Mars, including the made-up belief of life on Mars a century ago,
- the Voyager spacecrafts' Grand Tour of the Outer Planets (a rare alignment),
- ancient Greek scientists,
- Relativity,
- atoms, elements, and how star make them,
- ...more
A masterful work encompassing the whole of human existence and the universe, with a focus on science.
Sagan discusses
- evolution,
- Kepler, astrology and acceptance of truth in spite of what outcome is desired,
- Venus and Mars, including the made-up belief of life on Mars a century ago,
- the Voyager spacecrafts' Grand Tour of the Outer Planets (a rare alignment),
- ancient Greek scientists,
- Relativity,
- atoms, elements, and how star make them,
- ...more
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Read in April, 1999
recommends it for:
Sagan fans, viewers of the Cosmos TV series, non-theists
It’s wonderful to be free of religion. Nevertheless, it’s so ingrained I must admit it took more than a decade to deprogram religion out of my brain. Although most religionists seem to understand the concept of future eternity without end, they still think that there had to be some sort of “beginning” and thus cling to the idea of “God” creating the universe. Carl Sagan has helped me to accept the concept that there is neither a beginning nor an end. “Eternity” moves in both dire...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 1983
recommends it for:
everyone!
While the PBS series is dated now in its special effects, the ability of Sagan to inspire the wonderment of science and our connection with the universe is unparalleled to this day. I recommend the hardback edition, which has excellent photographs and other images.
I read somewhere that Cosmos has sold more books in foreign languages than any book other than the Bible. I hope this is true. It is a book that everyone should read, and if you can watch the series, do so! (just accept the g...more
I read somewhere that Cosmos has sold more books in foreign languages than any book other than the Bible. I hope this is true. It is a book that everyone should read, and if you can watch the series, do so! (just accept the g...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 2007
For a book in such a narrow field (well, compared to ordinary fiction) this is such a friendly read. If you want to dig deeper into the mathematics or history you've got a good platform to jump from, yet Cosmos can also leave you awfully satisfied.
The chapters are their own beasts, they can stand alone as their own (dare I say it) pericopes. Hmm, much like episodes... like in a TV special... heyyy.
Sometimes the scientific detail is combersome. The historical information makes up for it. ...more
The chapters are their own beasts, they can stand alone as their own (dare I say it) pericopes. Hmm, much like episodes... like in a TV special... heyyy.
Sometimes the scientific detail is combersome. The historical information makes up for it. ...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
recommends it for:
anyone
I think I could categorize this book as "life-changing" for me. I think the reason I am interested in subjects such as classics and anthropology can be traced to this book! It's a very broad look at the history of the universe and the history of science, so even though it is a good 20+ years old, most of it still stands. Sagan writes in an engaging and accessible manner. This is definitely a great book for people who are interested in science, but a little afraid to approach a book...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
This book is a classic for anyone who is interested in what is truly out there!
I read this book for school as a child and find myself re-reading it every so often. Some of the science behind this has changed... ie. Pluto? Planet or Moon? but that does not take away from the fact that the history of us and our star system, nay our galaxy is in this book.
I read the chapters and then try to watch them on the Science Channel... it makes them come alive and then when I read the next chapter,...more
I read this book for school as a child and find myself re-reading it every so often. Some of the science behind this has changed... ie. Pluto? Planet or Moon? but that does not take away from the fact that the history of us and our star system, nay our galaxy is in this book.
I read the chapters and then try to watch them on the Science Channel... it makes them come alive and then when I read the next chapter,...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
recommends it for:
EVERYONE
This is an amazing and inspired book. One of three books I have purchased numerous times only to give away to someone whom I thought could appreciate both the concepts presented, but the sheer poetry of Sagan's words. As close to a bible as I have ever owned, the brilliance and mystery of our existence, the smallness and yet complete miraculousness of being is captured in these pages. Even if the advanced concepts of science may be beyond some readers, I urge you not to be frustrated and to ...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in May, 2007
recommends it for:
other science nerds
I've read bits and pieces, as I do not have the time right now to read cover to cover.
There are excellent pictures for all of those visual learners out there.
And anyone without a strong background in physics may enjoy this book, as Sagan details even the most basic of information.
What I find particularly interesting is the section on the Drake Equation, which is a calculation as to the probability of extra-terrestrial life elsewhere in the universe.
I LOVE SCIENCE!!!! lol.
There are excellent pictures for all of those visual learners out there.
And anyone without a strong background in physics may enjoy this book, as Sagan details even the most basic of information.
What I find particularly interesting is the section on the Drake Equation, which is a calculation as to the probability of extra-terrestrial life elsewhere in the universe.
I LOVE SCIENCE!!!! lol.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in July, 2008
recommends it for:
Everyone
Carl Sagan is the science teacher I never had, and the one I wish I did have. This is a spectacular and fascinating book. Sagan writes of extraordinary things with a complete lack of pretension.
If any of my science classes had ever put things on such a grand and interesting scale I dare say I would have been much more interested in Chemistry and Physics and Geometry and Calculus and the like.
I would recommend this to anyone who has ever looked up into the sky and wondered.
If any of my science classes had ever put things on such a grand and interesting scale I dare say I would have been much more interested in Chemistry and Physics and Geometry and Calculus and the like.
I would recommend this to anyone who has ever looked up into the sky and wondered.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 1989
recommends it for:
No One
This book was my bible when I was an enemy of God. As a stubbornly devout atheist, this was the book I turned to for justification of my proud and arrogant rejection of my Creator. Instead of reading this pile of conjecture, I recommend reading the Holy Bible (then get on your knees and repent before the holy God who gave you life and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for your lawlessness and sin). :-)
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
8 comments
Read in January, 1990
recommends it for:
Anyone
As James A. Michener stated in his review of this masterpiece: "iridescent." Cosmos not only opened the eyes of millions of people to the majesty and the mystery of Astronomy and Cosmology. It also opened millions of minds to the wonders of modern science and its deeply rooted origins in human history. This book is the superlative cornerstone of Sagan's wonderfully insightful body of scientific literary work.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
EVERYONE :)
This book tried to answer the most basic question of humanity: who we are, and where we come from. Sagan wasn't trying to be scientific, but i think that's what's so great about him, he could share his knowledge on a complicated material in a very simple way. This really show his proficiency in this topic.
As human being living in this Galaxy, this book really reminds me of how small, yet meaningful we are..
As human being living in this Galaxy, this book really reminds me of how small, yet meaningful we are..
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
