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The Dragons of Eden

Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence

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The Dragons of Eden

By: Carl Sagan
Narrated by: JD Jackson, Ann Druyan
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About this listen

The Pulitzer Prize Winner

Dr. Carl Sagan takes us on a great adventure, offering his vivid and startling insight into the brain of man and beast, the origin of human intelligence, the function of our most haunting legends - and their amazing links to recent discoveries.

©1977 Carl Sagan (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Biological Sciences Environment Evolution Evolution & Genetics Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science

Critic reviews

"A history of the human brain from the big bang, fifteen billion years ago, to the day before yesterday . . . . It's a delight." --The New York Times

“How can I persuade every intelligent person to read this important and elegant book? . . . He talks about all kinds of things: the why of the pain of human childbirth . . . the reason for sleeping and dreaming . . . chimpanzees taught to communicate in deaf and dumb language . . . the definition of death . . . cloning . . . computers . . . intelligent life on other planets. . . . Fascinating . . . delightful.” --The Boston Globe

“In some lost Eden where dragons ruled, the foundations of our intelligence were laid. . . . Carl Sagan takes us on a guided tour of that lost land. . . . Fascinating . . . entertaining . . . masterful.” --St. Louis Post-Dispatch
All stars
Most relevant
Wonderful wisdom from the Gentleman Genius.
Enthralling listen from start to finishish. The speaker is fine, and easy to listen to, but dosn quite capture Sagan's passionate and elegance of delivery.
That said, the book was very enjoyable with great educational information.

Wonderful wisdom from the Gentleman Genius

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despite the longevity of the book the contents are fantastic. to delve into the realms of left and right cortex of the brain, our similarity to animals & the development of speech & what has become a predominant right hand society - this may be as old as me but I have thoroughly enjoyed it & recommend others listen

thought provoking

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Carl Sagan’s The Dragons of Eden is a fascinating exploration of human intelligence and the evolutionary journey of the brain. Though some science has since evolved, Sagan’s insight remains captivating, weaving legends with discoveries in a way that sparks wonder. The narration by JD Jackson and Ann Druyan is superb, balancing clarity and warmth, making each concept accessible and engaging. Their voices bring Sagan’s vivid ideas to life, creating an immersive listening experience that is both educational and enchanting. This Pulitzer Prize-winning work remains a timeless celebration of curiosity, imagination, and the marvel of human thought.

A Mesmerising Audio Odyssey

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The narration wasnt so great but it was still really enjoyable and thought provoking, esp if you like Carl Sagans work! well worth it

Great Book

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Mr Sagan delivers yet again.

Third book of his I've listened to, after "Contact" and "Pale Blue Dot".

With each tiny word, phrase, sentence, paragraph, theme and book, I get progressively more convinced in the magnitude of this MAN's intelligence and immensely enriching contribution to the human race.

Science is just a Latin word for Knowledge is how he chose to envelop the ending of this book and I choose to wrap up this review of mine by expressing my gratitude for, first and foremost, the existence of such a brilliant human being, scientist and the most prolific advocate and proponent for the acquisition and expansion of our knowledge and understanding of the physical world around us.

Best Spokesman for Human Intelligence

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