Letters from an Astrophysicist - Neil de Grasse Tyson

Letters from an Astrophysicist

By Neil de Grasse Tyson

  • Release Date: 2019-10-08
  • Genre: Science & Nature Essays
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 92 Ratings

Description

New York Times Bestseller

A luminous companion to the phenomenal bestseller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has attracted one of the world’s largest online followings with his fascinating, widely accessible insights into science and our universe. Now, Tyson invites us to go behind the scenes of his public fame by revealing his correspondence with people across the globe who have sought him out in search of answers. In this hand-picked collection of 101 letters, Tyson draws upon cosmic perspectives to address a vast array of questions about science, faith, philosophy, life, and of course, Pluto. His succinct, opinionated, passionate, and often funny responses reflect his popularity and standing as a leading educator.

Tyson’s 2017 bestseller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry offered more than one million readers an insightful and accessible understanding of the universe. Tyson’s most candid and heartfelt writing yet, Letters from an Astrophysicist introduces us to a newly personal dimension of Tyson’s quest to explore our place in the cosmos.

Reviews

  • Belief and Science

    4
    By Richard Bakare
    I appreciate that Neil DeGrasse Tyson would be candid enough to share some revealing exchanges from over the many years of his correspondence with his audience. Most of the interactions echo a debate between belief and science even though Dr. Tyson categorizes them into four general themes. For some, reading this book will challenge and even offend. Tyson is direct in these communications and delivers truth bombs wrapped in reason, logic, and hope. It is remarkable that he even confronts so many doubters of science; as if the more he shows how science has answered bigger questions the more he rouses the ire of those looking to a higher power for all their answers. It is refreshing that his responses are principled and reasoned while avoiding ad hominem attacks. In a way he leaves room for belief but one grounded in the limitless possibilities of a scientific society. The metaphysical in his worldview is reflected in the awe of the cosmos and how understanding it makes it easier to understand and deal with everyday life.
  • Letters from an Astrophysicist

    5
    By robixd
    Possibly Neal Tyson’s finest book. Hardly could stop reading from beginning to end. As our Aussie Friends are fond of saying: “Good on you Mate”.
  • Great Read

    5
    By Nextup11
    Gotta love reading a book by an author from the Bronx, while on the 6 train