Customer Reviews
A wonderful reminder of a unique voice - By: Withnail67, 07 Jun 2008 
This wonderful book is based on mislaid transcripts of Sagan's Gifford lectures at the University of Glasgow in 1985. They form a touching & warmly fascinating reminder of the unique personality that was Carl Sagan. If, like me, you stayed up late at night in the pre-VCR age to watch his landmark 1980 series 'Cosmos', you'll have some idea of the scope of Sagan's intellect.
These lectures centre on the comparison between the view of the universe contained within the sceintific & religous paradigms. Sagan's knowledge of astronomy & his support of what can be crudely summarised as informed scepticism gives some suggestion of his point of view. His topics are extra terrestrial intelligence, the exploration of the universe, the development of the scientific method & the dangers posed by the ability of the human race to destroy itself.
The book is beautifully designed with Sagan's original slides & illustrations replaced by new images from, for instance, the Cassini probe. Sensitive editing by his colleague & wife Ann Druyan points out where Sagan's beloved scientific method has moved knowledge on since the lectures were given. Transcripts of the question & answer sessions at the lectures are an especial delight, & give a touching indication of Sagan's empathy.
This is a fine testament to a wise man. I reallly enjoyed hearing his voice again, & it stands comparison with other current advocates of the scientific, sceptical position who are rather more shrill & less empatic in their advocacy. Perhaps the stakes are higher? Sagan is a model for those who find enough to worship in human potential & the universe around them.
