Sagan was one of the greatest scientists of this century and an alluring visionary who inspired a generation to look to the heavens and beyond. Enter the world of an enthralling, complex, contradictory prophet of the Space Age. Illustrations throughout.

A penetrating, mesmerizing biography of a scientific iconAbsolutely fascinating . . . Davidson has done a remarkable job.-Sir Arthur C. ClarkeEngaging . . . 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 MonitorExcellent . . . Davidson acts as a keen critic to Sagan's works and their vast uncertainties.-Scientific AmericanA fascinating book about an extraordinary man.-Johnny CarsonDavidson, 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 TimesCarl 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.