Portrays the life and work of one of the most famous and influential scientists of the late 20th century - the astronomer Carl Sagan The American astronomer Carl Sagan (1934-1996) was one of the best-known scientists of his time. A prolific writer and television personality, he was creator and host of Cosmos, an enormously popular television series that explained the wonders of astronomy to millions of television viewers. Sagan also opened up the wonders of science to thousands of people through his many books and magazine articles. In addition to his talents as a science popularizer, Sagan was a first-rate scientist. a pioneer in the field now known as astrobiology, a major thrust of NASA's current planetary explorations This book takes a fascinating look at all aspects of the life of Carl Sagan: the working scientist, who was an inspired and creative participant in the forefront of a new and exciting era of astronomy; the advocate for science, who could expound on its beauties and joys, as well as point out the follies and foibles of pseudoscience; and the activist, who helped raise awareness of the perils of the Nuclear Age. Following the arc of Sagan's personal and professional life, this book examines both the man and the provocative ideas he brought to this new era, always seeking to capture the infectious enthusiasm and love of communication that infused Carl Sagan's life and work. Endorsement from Ann Druyan, Carl Sagan's widow and long-time collaborator: Carl Sagan: A Biography comes closer to the Carl I knew than other previous attempts at biography. Authors Moser and Spangenburg capture the drama, passion and integrity of Carl's lifelong quest to know the cosmos. May this work kindle that fire in others. school and undergraduate students A portrait of a scientist famous for his popularization of science and for his activism regarding nuclear perils

Astronomer, planetary scientist, astrophysicist, exobiologist, educator, public figure, skeptic--all these hats represent important parts of Carl Sagan's complex, multifaceted career. Perhaps best known as the host of the popular television series Cosmos, Sagan offered to the world his extraordinary gift for cross-disciplinary research, his deep well of integrated visions and fruitful ideas, his vivid imagination, and his wealth of nonstop enthusiasm.
This concise, lively biography examines Carl Sagan's steady growth as a man, as a scientist, and as a communicator--a man who had both odd quirks and great charisma, who had an immensely eclectic knowledge base and a unique understanding of the central place of science in the human experience, all of which dovetailed smoothly with his phenomenal ability to communicate.
Separate chapters are devoted to Sagan's interest in the origin of life, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and his work on Cosmos, where he collaborated with Ann Druyan, whom he eventually married and who remained his wife to the end of his life. There are also sections on Sagan's public advocacy for science and critical stance toward pseudoscience and his role as an activist for the environment and the safe use of atomic power.
This updated, paperback edition of Carl Sagan: A Biography contains many new photos as well as textual additions by Ann Druyan. Veteran science writers Spangenburg and Moser have captured much of the enthusiasm, gift for effective communication, and unflinching honesty that characterized Carl Sagan's life and career.