Where to start withCosmos
2 versions · originally a book, 1980
Themes: Scientific Exploration, Humanism, Skepticism, Wonder, History of Science.
Start with Cosmos (Carl Sagan, 1980) — the book. Cosmos exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1980; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Cosmos is a sweeping, interdisciplinary exploration that bridges the history of human civilization with the fundamental laws of our universe.
✦ Most fans start here
Cosmos (1980)
The original novel
✦ Start hereCosmos
Carl Sagan · Book · 1980
The 1980 book Cosmos provides the foundational text, offering a deeply philosophical look at the evolution of science and the historical figures who defined our modern understanding of existence.
2014 series
Cosmos
Ann Druyan · Series · 2014
The 2014 TV series Cosmos uses Neil deGrasse Tyson’s narration to visually translate complex scientific concepts like gravity and space-time into an accessible, immersive journey through the vast cosmic landscape.
Common questions
Should I read the book Cosmos before watching the 2014 TV series?
You do not need to read the 1980 book Cosmos before watching the 2014 television series. Both versions serve as independent explorations of science and the universe, though the book provides the foundational narrative and perspective that inspired the later television adaptation.
What is the difference between the 1980 book Cosmos and the 2014 TV series?
The 1980 book Cosmos is a written work by Carl Sagan that explores the history of science and human discovery. The 2014 TV series Cosmos serves as a modern visual adaptation of those themes, utilizing updated scientific knowledge and production techniques to convey the same core subject matter.
Is the 2014 TV series Cosmos a direct sequel to the 1980 book?
The 2014 TV series Cosmos is not a direct sequel to the 1980 book Cosmos. Instead, it is a television adaptation that expands upon the original concepts and scientific framework established in the book, bringing the narrative to a new audience through a visual medium.
How long has the Cosmos franchise been around?
The Cosmos franchise began with the publication of the book Cosmos in 1980. This original work established the series' focus on the universe and science, which was later adapted into the television series Cosmos in 2014, spanning over three decades of content.