Carl Sagan
Igniting worldwide wonder about the cosmos through poetic science communication.
Biography
Carl Sagan was an American astronomer, cosmologist, and science communicator born in Brooklyn, New York in 1934. His 1980 television series Cosmos became the most widely watched series in PBS history and inspired a generation of scientists. Sagan played a leading role in NASA's planetary exploration programs and was instrumental in the Pioneer and Voyager missions. He authored more than 20 books before his death in 1996, earning a Pulitzer Prize for The Dragons of Eden.
Best Starting Book
Cosmos
The book that made millions fall in love with science — Sagan's magnum opus that weaves astronomy, biology, and history into a breathtaking narrative.
Reading Order
Cosmos
The companion to his legendary TV series — a sweeping, poetic journey through the universe that defines Sagan's voice.
The Demon-Haunted World
Sagan's passionate defense of critical thinking — more relevant now than when it was written.
Pale Blue Dot
Inspired by the famous Voyager photograph, a humbling meditation on Earth's place in the universe.
Contact
His only novel — a scientifically rigorous and deeply moving first-contact story.
The Dragons of Eden
A Pulitzer-winning exploration of human intelligence and brain evolution that showcases Sagan's range.
Books by Carl Sagan
Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors
Carl Sagan
The Demon-Haunted World
Carl Sagan
Contact
Carl Sagan
Comet
Carl Sagan
Pale Blue Dot
Carl Sagan
Broca's Brain
Carl Sagan
Cosmos
Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan's Cosmic Connection
Carl Sagan
Billions & Billions
Carl Sagan
The Varieties of Scientific Experience
Carl Sagan
The Dragons of Eden
Carl Sagan
Dragons of Eden
Carl Sagan
A Brief History of Time
Carl Sagan
A Path Where No Man Thought
A Path Where No Man Thought
Carl Sagan
Elevation Differences on Mars
Carl Sagan
Intelligent Life in the Universe
Intelligent Life in the Universe
Carl Sagan
Billions and billions
Carl Sagan
A Windblown Dust Model of Martian Surface Features and Seasonal Changes
Carl Sagan