Best books by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Best books by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of the most vocal proponents of science today. As a science communicator, he has contributed to a better understanding of complex topics and brought them to the general public.
During his career, Tyson has written numerous popular science books. This article will provide an overview of the best titles from his bibliography.
A short history of Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of the most popular personalities in science due to his massive media presence. The American astrophysicist studied physics at Harvard University and astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin before earning his master’s and Ph.D. at Columbia University in New York City.
Tyson’s engagement in the popularization of science began during his time in Texas, where he wrote a Q&A column for StarDate, the university’s astronomy magazine. In 1995, after working at Princeton University as a postdoctoral research associate and a staff scientist at the Hayden Planetarium, Tyson became the acting director of the Planetarium. He became the official director of the establishment the following year. At that time, Tyson started writing scientific essays, creating monthly entries published in the Natural History magazine.
Throughout the years, Tyson has appeared in and hosted several shows and television series, including Origins in 2004, NOVA ScienceNow in 2006-2011, and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey in 2014. Cosmos was particularly impactful as it was seen as a continuation of Carl Sagan’s work. Tyson also started a radio program, StarTalk, in 2009. StarTalk has since become a podcast and served as the basis for a talk show, companion books like Cosmic Queries, and content on Tyson’s YouTube channel.
Neil deGrasse Tyson also has an extensive IMDb page. His movie appearances include numerous cameos and a voice role for the character Weasel in Ice Age: Collision Course.
Although he’s often called an atheist, Tyson maintains a neutral position, stating that the only “-ist” he is would be a scientist.
Best Neil deGrasse Tyson books
In addition to his other activities, Neil deGrasse Tyson has authored numerous books. The American astrophysics expert has tackled various subjects related to his field of science. The following is a selection of the best books by Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Origins
In Origins, Tyson joins forces with fellow astrophysicist Donald Goldsmith to deliver a narrative about the origins of the cosmos, stars, planets, and human life. The book explores human origins through the lens of physical science, biology, cosmology, and astrophysics.
Origins presents fascinating scientific discoveries, including the first images of the birth of a galaxy, the results of Mars exploration, and water on a moon of Jupiter. The authors tie all that evidence into a compelling narrative about our deepest, cosmic roots and the future of the human race.
The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet
The Pluto Files is a relatively short title at under 200 pages. However, it’s notable because it discusses the controversial decision to demote Pluto’s status from a planet to a dwarf planet. Following outrage at this decision, Tyson stood in defense of the status change. In The Pluto Files, he explains why the public felt a strong attachment to the former planet and provides solid reasons why the new classification is correct.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Astrophysics is an area people love to contemplate from time to time. However, the subject is quite complex, and many cosmos enthusiasts lack time to delve deeper into it. This is where Astrophysics for People in a Hurry comes in.
In this title, Tyson attempts to provide relatively straightforward answers to difficult questions about spacetime, the universe, and our place in it all. Broken into easily digestible chapters, the book tackles subjects like the Big Bang, quantum mechanics, and the universal search for life.
Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries
Death by Black Hole is a collection of Tyson’s essays published in the Natural History magazine. Over 40 essays in the book cover a wide array of topics, from the titular black holes to corrections of Hollywood’s depictions of the night sky.
While Death by Black Hole isn’t a singular narrative, Tyson’s storytelling capacity makes each essay enjoyable and coherent. The result is an exciting tour of the universe, from the ground level to the furthest reaches of space.
The Sky Is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist
The Sky Is Not the Limit is Tyson’s autobiography, which chronicles his journey from a high school athlete to one of the most prominent scientists and NASA advocates of his age. Tyson provides an insight into his memories and the factors that drew him to astrophysics. At the same time, he inserts thought-provoking ideas about what the nature of human society, science, and the cosmos may represent.
-
The Pluto Files
- By: Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Narrator: Mirron Willis
- Length: 4 hours 22 minutes
- Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
- Publish date: January 01, 2009
- Language: English
-
3.88(3474 ratings)
3.88(3474 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0011.95 USDIn August 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto out of planethood. Far from the sun, tiny, and eccentric in orbit, it’s a wonder Pluto has any fans. Yet during the mounting debate over Pluto’s status, Americans ralliedIn August 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto out of planethood. Far from the sun, tiny, and eccentric in orbit, it’s a wonder Pluto has any fans. Yet during the mounting debate over Pluto’s status, Americans rallied behind this extraterrestrial underdog. The year of Pluto’s discovery, Disney created an irresistible pup by the same name, and, as one NASA scientist put it, Pluto was “discovered by an American for America.” Pluto is entrenched in our cultural, patriotic view of the cosmos, and Neil deGrasse Tyson is on a quest to discover why. Since he was involved in the first exhibits to demote Pluto, Tyson has received plenty of freely shared opinions from Pluto lovers, including endless hate mail from third graders. In his typically witty way, Tyson explores the history of planet classification and America’s obsession with the status of Pluto.
... Read more -
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
- By: Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Narrator: Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Length: 3 hours 41 minutes
- Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
- Publish date: January 01, 2017
- Language: English
-
4.09(153162 ratings)
4.09(153162 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0014.95 USDThe essential universe, from our most celebrated and beloved astrophysicist. What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide through these mind-expandingThe essential universe, from our most celebrated and beloved astrophysicist.
What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and bestselling author Neil deGrasse Tyson.
But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in digestible chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day.
While waiting for your morning coffee to brew, or while waiting for the bus, the train, or the plane to arrive, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry will reveal just what you need to be fluent and ready for the next cosmic headlines: from the Big Bang to black holes, from quarks to quantum mechanics, and from the search for planets to the search for life in the universe.
... Read more -
Death by Black Hole, and Other Cosmic Quandaries
- By: Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Narrator: Dion Graham
- Length: 12 hours 6 minutes
- Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
- Publish date: January 01, 2006
- Language: English
-
4.1(17453 ratings)
4.1(17453 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0022.95 USD“[Tyson] tackles a great range of subjects…with great humor, humility, and–most important–humanity.” –Entertainment Weekly Neil deGrasse Tyson has a talent for guiding readers through the mysteries of outer space“[Tyson] tackles a great range of subjects…with great humor, humility, and–most important–humanity.” –Entertainment Weekly
Neil deGrasse Tyson has a talent for guiding readers through the mysteries of outer space with stunning clarity and almost childlike enthusiasm. Here, Tyson compiles his favorite essays that he wrote for Natural History magazine across a myriad of cosmic topics, from astral life at the frontiers of astrobiology to the movie industry’s feeble efforts to get its night skies right.
Tyson introduces us to the physics of black holes by explaining the gory details of what would happen to our bodies if we fell into one, examining the needless friction between science and religion in the context of historical conflicts, and noting Earth’s progression to “an insignificantly small speck in the cosmos.”
Renowned for his ability to blend content, accessibility, and humor, Tyson is a natural teacher who simplifies some of the most complex concepts in astrophysics while sharing his infectious excitement for our universe.
... Read more
Listen to the best books by Neil deGrasse Tyson with Speechify
If you find the work of Neil deGrasse Tyson captivating, you’ll be happy to discover some of his best titles are in audiobook format. And with Speechify, those titles are only a few clicks away.
Speechify is an audiobook service with an expansive and growing library. The service works online and via a dedicated app that has already become a favorite of users worldwide. You can visit the official Speechify website to hear one of the leading audiobook services in action today.
FAQ
What discoveries did Neil deGrasse Tyson make?
Neil deGrasse Tyson has not made any significant discoveries in his field of astrophysics. His contributions to the scientific community are primarily in the communication, popularization, and public promotion of science.
What is Neil deGrasse Tyson’s famous quote?
Neil deGrasse Tyson is known for many quotes. One of the most famous ones might be: “The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you.”
What does Neil deGrasse Tyson do today?
Tyson is currently the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York.
What is Neil deGrasse Tyson’s favorite thing to do?
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an avid lover of wines with his own collection. He is also a gourmet cook.
- Previous Adam, Eve, and books: Best titles about Adam and Eve
- Next Best memoir books to read in 2023
Cliff Weitzman
Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.
Recent Blogs
-
July 06, 2023
Which books are available on Spotify?
-
July 06, 2023
Are audiobooks free on Spotify with membership?
-
June 25, 2023
Top Destinations for Free eBooks and Audiobooks Online
-
June 25, 2023
Best Alternative to Barnes & Noble Online
-
June 25, 2023
The Best Places to Buy eBooks: Beyond the Kindle Ecosystem
-
June 25, 2023
What are the best places to find free ebooks?
-
June 25, 2023
Best Independent Companies to Buy eBooks from
-
April 19, 2023
How many Game of Thrones books are there?
-
April 19, 2023
Where to buy cheap books: A comprehensive guide
-
April 19, 2023
How many Jack Reacher books are there?
-
April 19, 2023
How many FNAF books are there?
-
April 19, 2023
How many Warrior Cats books are there?
-
April 19, 2023
How many Wheel of Time books are there?
-
April 19, 2023
The best Vampire Survivors powerups in order
-
April 19, 2023
How to read the Robert Galbraith books in order
-
April 19, 2023
How to read the Artemis Fowl books in order
-
April 19, 2023
How to read Craig Johnson’s books in order
-
April 19, 2023
How to read Cassandra Clare’s books in order
-
April 19, 2023
How to read Lee Child’s books in order
-
April 18, 2023
How to read the In Death book series in order
-
April 18, 2023
Best book quotes
-
April 18, 2023
A tale of two cities reviewed
-
April 18, 2023
All the President’s Men reviewed
-
April 18, 2023
Tintin reviewed
-
April 18, 2023
What are adult coloring books?
-
April 18, 2023
How to read the Percy Jackson books in order
-
April 11, 2023
How to find charities for the blind
-
April 11, 2023
What is the best Bible app
-
April 11, 2023
Where to find free audio Bible downloads
-
April 11, 2023
What is the best free Bible app
More in this series
- 29 Best horror books to read
- 29 Best International Relations Audiobooks
- 29 Best books to read about life
- 29 Best Books for Death and Grieving
- 29 Best historical fiction books
- 29 Best books to read in your 50s
- 29 Best Books on Greek Mythology
- 29 Best books to read on wattpad
- 29 Best Books on Cryptocurrency
- 29 best audiobooks for 4th graders
- 29 Best Branding Books
- 29 Best Enemies to Lovers Romance Books
- 29 Best easy books to read for adults
- 29 Best books to read during pregnancy
- 29 Best Books on Napoleon
- 29 Best fiction books for couples to read together
- 29 Best Books on Ancient Greece
- 29 Best Books on Evolution
- 29 Best books to read for adults
- All the books written by every President of the United States
- 29 Best Serial Killer Books
- 29 Best Political Science Audiobooks
- 29 Best Audiobooks on Mindset
- 29 Best books to read aloud to seniors
- Top 29 Books on Parenting
- 29 Best books for time management
- Top 29 Books on Sex
- 29 Best indian books to read
- 29 Best books for pharmacists
- Best books by Shel Silverstein