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. Ever persistent in exploring the possibility of life on other planets, he was 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. Part of the Greenwood Biographies series Written in an engaging style for school and undergraduate students A portrait of a scientist famous for his popularization of science and for his activism regarding nuclear perils