The Human Cosmos: A Secret History of the Stars

by Jo Marchant
The Human Cosmos: A Secret History of the Stars cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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  • ID: 3167
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781786894052
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2020-09-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Human Cosmos takes readers on a journey through history, from prehistoric cave paintings to modern scientific discoveries, highlighting how the stars have shaped our beliefs, societies, and even our biology. It delves into the profound impact of the universe on human health and the potential for inspiration and revelation that comes from reconnecting with the cosmos. This book is not just a historical account but a call to action, urging us to rediscover our place in the universe and the benefits of understanding our cosmic environment. It combines science, history, and philosophy to illustrate the deep and enduring relationship between humans and the stars.

Reviews
Goodreads · N/A · 2025-10-17
engaging 4.50

The reviewer highlights the book's ability to heal the disconnect between humanity and the heavens, praising its historical depth and engaging narrative.

This Goodreads reviewer finds The Human Cosmos to be a powerful exploration of humanity's relationship with the cosmos. They appreciate the book's historical depth and its ability to address the modern disconnect between humans and the heavens. The reviewer praises Jo Marchant's engaging narrative, which makes the book both informative and enjoyable. They highlight the book's unique perspective and its ability to make complex topics accessible to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    An historically unprecedented disconnect between humanity and the heavens has opened. Jo Marchant's book can begin to heal it.

    For at least 20,000 years, humans have looked to the skies for meaning and guidance.

    The book is rich and deep but, most of all, great fun to read.

Herbology News · Kyra Pollitt · 2025-10-17
insightful 3.50

The reviewer acknowledges some shortcomings but appreciates the accessible style and fluid storytelling of the book. They find the book's entry and exit points particularly engaging.

Kyra Pollitt's review of The Human Cosmos notes that while the book has some shortcomings, these are mitigated by Jo Marchant's accessible and fluid writing style. Pollitt particularly enjoys the way Marchant structures her narrative, finding the entry and exit points of the storytelling to be especially engaging. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make complex topics approachable and enjoyable, making it a worthwhile read despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    On balance, though, such shortcomings are mitigated by the accessible and fluid style of Marchant's prose.

    The entry and exit points of her storytelling are particularly well-crafted.

    The book is engaging and imaginatively constructed.

British Astronomical Association · Bob Mizon · 2025-10-17
enlightening 4.00

The reviewer praises the book's engaging narrative and imaginative construction, highlighting its accessible prose and fluid storytelling. They appreciate the journey through humanity's relationship with the heavens.

Bob Mizon found Jo Marchant's book to be a compelling read, particularly appreciating the way it takes readers on a journey through the history of our relationship with the cosmos. The reviewer highlights the book's engaging narrative and imaginative construction, noting that Marchant's prose is accessible and fluid. While there may be some shortcomings, Mizon feels that the overall experience is enriching and thought-provoking. They particularly enjoy the way Marchant weaves together different historical periods and cultural perspectives, making the book both educational and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    The book is an engaging, imaginatively-constructed journey through the history of mankind's changing relationship with the heavens.

    Marchant's prose is accessible and fluid, making the complex topics approachable.

    The entry and exit points of her storytelling are particularly well-crafted.

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