[.ca] Comet, Revised (ISBN 0345412222)

This comet went too deep for me:
As an interested layman when it comes to astronomy, I looked forward to reading this book. Given Carl Sagan's well-deserved reputation as one of the world's best communicators when it comes to matters scientific, I was certain of some happy hours whiling away through the universe. It started very promising, and I really enjoyed the introduction. But then the book just went on and on and on: about how comets were seen in various cultures in various times; the history of scientific discovery in regard to comets; etc. After about 70 pages I had had enough. I thumbed through the rest of the book, enjoyed the superb artwork, and returned it to the library. (Oops! Am I allowed to even use that word on the Amazon website?) In summary: very informative and well-written, but going into too much detail to keep my attention. That may not be the book's fault, of course, but I would only recommend this for people with a real interest in comets, rather than a general interest in astronomy.

Ameteur and Armchair Astronomers will love this book:
I would classify myself as the Armchair type - I don't own a telescope, and shamefully I do not know my constellations, but I have enjoyed many popular books on the subject. Having just finished reading this book I am sorely tempted to get a telescope or at least go out and find a local star party (where ameteur astronomers set up their equipment and gladly share viewing opportunities with strangers). This book was truely one of my favorite reads on the subject in recent years. To be sure, the primary focus of the book is about comets and I thought that there could not be enough here to justify an entire book - wrong!!! Sagan takes the reader on a very interesting and inspiring tour of the solar system while also teaching some interesting astronomy history. The chapter on Haley alone teaches about the early history of astronomy and tells a fascinating story of a brilliant scientist about whom most of us have heard little beyond the discovery of the comet which carries his name. Also discussed in this book is the likely connection between comets and the end of the Dinosaurs 65,000,000 years ago (before which the largest mammals were mouse size, according to the book) and the current interest astronmers have in comets and asteroids as a potential threat in our current age. Another great feature of this book is that the many chapters may be easily read in any desired order; Sagan kindly refers us to other chapters with supporting material - so when he talks about the "sand bank" theory of comets - he tells you which chapter covered that idea. I couldn't put the book down (for long).

Review of Sagan's Comet:
This is one of my favorite non-fiction books. Sagan does his usual great job of translating complex information into enjoyable reading. I recommend this book to anyone with even a slight interest in the subject.

Good book:
Dr. Sagan, as usual, has written a book that truly captured my attention. The photos and drawings were superb and the writing as usual was direct and not written in techno babble. Dr. Sagan takes the time to explain theories and takes us on a roving path through the solar system. I couldn't figure out how some of the topics related to comets, but to be honest with you, I did not really care. I love his writings and I am sorry that he is no longer with us.

Goob book but too many historical notes:
A nice book to read though too many historical notes which are annoying and make the book unncessarily thick