Book details

Starry Messenger

Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization

Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson

Starry Messenger

Starry Messenger

About This Book

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Bringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson shines new light on the crucial fault lines of...

Page Count
288
Genre
On Sale
09/20/2022

Book Details

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Bringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our time—war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, and race—in a way that stimulates a deeper sense of unity for us all.


In a time when our political and cultural views feel more polarized than ever, Tyson provides a much-needed antidote to so much of what divides us, while making a passionate case for the twin chariots of enlightenment—a cosmic perspective and the rationality of science.

After thinking deeply about how science sees the world and about Earth as a planet, the human brain has the capacity to reset and recalibrates life’s priorities, shaping the actions we might take in response. No outlook on culture, society, or civilization remains untouched.

With crystalline prose, Starry Messenger walks us through the scientific palette that sees and paints the world differently. From insights on resolving global conflict to reminders of how precious it is to be alive, Tyson reveals, with warmth and eloquence, an array of brilliant and beautiful truths that apply to us all, informed and enlightened by knowledge of our place in the universe.

Imprint Publisher

Henry Holt and Co.

ISBN

9781250861504

In The News

“Every page is lit up by an original poetic imagination but bearing the unmistakable stamp of a rational mind, steeped in maths and science.”
—Richard Dawkins, author of The Selfish Gene and The God Delusion

“Handsome, gregarious and passionate about his subject matter, Neil deGrasse Tyson…meditates on what a life studying the majesty of the stars and the planets can teach us about how to deal with all the messy social and political conflicts bedeviling us here on Earth…Engaging as ever…He is lucidly down-to-earth and charmingly enthusiastic.”
The Washington Post

“Tyson has become the most influential science communicator in the country.”
Vox

“Tyson takes a rational approach to the topics that divide us and the ideals we question. This book may make you rethink your place in the Universe...Strap in; it's quite the cosmic ride.”
Discover

“I have a soft spot for books that make me stop and wonder at the world. Tyson’s latest does just that—it’s a perspective-widening take on our earthly problems, and a reassuring look at the progress we’ve made.”
Amazon Book Review, editors’ pick

“Tyson’s ability to simplify complex topics without seeming disparaging or condescending is refreshing, as is his willingness to approach such a broad range of topics in a forthright yet nonconfrontational manner…An excellent addition to any science collection that will encourage critical thinking by all who read it.”
Library Journal, STARRED Review

“[Neil deGrasse Tyson] tackles hot-button topics concerning gender identity, racial inequality, abortion, personal versus objective truths, and political beliefs. The tone and approach feel like an updated version of Freakonomics (2005) with the pointed and thought-provoking stance of a Dan Ariely book, but with more scientific undertones, a sprinkling of religious references, and a dash of sass.”
–Booklist

“[A] welcome voice in the escalating fight with the array of forces aligned against science and rational thought. Good sense for those who value good sense.”
–Kirkus

“Tyson’s at his best when he explains what he sees as the unique power of science, touting the ‘self-regulating’ nature of the scientific method and asserting that ‘conformity in science is anathema to progress.’”
–Publishers Weekly

About the Creators

Starry Messenger

Starry Messenger