Another bio of the flamboyant astronomer and creator of Cosmos (see
William Poundstone, p. 1391), from a veteran science writer
(coauthor with George Smoot of Wrinkles in Time, 1993). Davidson
credits Sagan's influential Intelligent Life in the Universe, a
collaboration with Russian astronomer I.S. Shklovskii, with
awakening his own interest in science. He recognizes Sagan as a
great popularizer, one of the preeminent translators of scientific
ideas into the vernacular of his day. At the same time, he clearly
distrusts the myth that Sagan often seemed to personify, that of
the scientist as a sort of modern high priest, omniscient and above
the fray. In this spirit, the biography often seems to be
recounting Sagan's career with an eye to undercutting that myth, if
not necessarily the man himself. Thus the digs at Big Science,
where political acumen counts for as much as research ability; the
quotation of derogatory remarks from Sagan's former friends (e.g.,
Harold Blum, who called his prose style "phony"); and hints that
there were deep-seated irrational elements behind the cool surface
of Sagan's science. Sagan was clearly a man who made enemies as
easily as friends, and Davidson has sought out both camps. The
resulting portrait is not so much a debunking of Sagan, however, as
a highlighting of certain qualities that might have increased his
popular appeal. The "nuclear winter" episode, in which Sagan and
several colleagues argued that even a "limited" nuclear war might
lead to the extermination of human life, showed Sagan as an eminent
scientific expert, paradoxically arguing that the issues involved
were too important to leave to the experts. Likewise, in many ways
Sagan's constant advocacy of the search for life beyond Earth - the
central science-fictional dream - was a key to the space program's
becoming hard reality. In the end, Davidson argues, Sagan's
influence in such matters may count for more than any of his books.
A smoothly written, sometimes critical look at a leading scientific
figure of our time. (Kirkus Reviews)
A penetrating, mesmerizing biography of a scientific icon, now in paperback
"Absolutely fascinating" . . . Davidson has done a remarkable job."—Sir Arthur C. Clarke
"Engaging . . . accessible, carefully documented . . . sophisticated."—Dr. David Hollinger for The New York Times Book Review
"Entertaining . . . Davidson treats [the] nuances of Sagan’s complex life with understanding and sympathy."—The Christian Science Monitor
"Excellent . . . Davidson acts as a keen critic to Sagan’s works and their vast uncertainties."—Scientific American
"A fascinating book about an extraordinary man."—Johnny Carson
"Davidson, an award-winning science writer, has written an absorbing portrait of this Pied Piper of planetary science. Davidson thoroughly explores Sagan’s science, wrestles with his politics, and plumbs his personal passions with a telling instinct for the revealing underside of a life lived so publicly."—Los Angeles Times
Carl Sagan was one of the most celebrated scientists of this century—the handsome and alluring visionary who inspired a generation to look to the heavens and beyond. His life was both an intellectual feast and an emotional rollercoaster. Based on interviews with Sagan’s family and friends, including his widow, Ann Druyan; his first wife, acclaimed scientist Lynn Margulis; and his three sons, as well as exclusive access to many personal papers, this highly acclaimed life story offers remarkable insight into one of the most influential, provocative, and beloved figures of our time—a complex, contradictory prophet of the Space Age.
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