Death by Black Hole

And Other Cosmic Quandaries

By: Neil deGrasse Tyson

Narrated by: Dion Graham

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

“[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.

©2007 Neil deGrasse Tyson (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Tyson takes readers on an exciting journey from Earth's hot springs...to the universe's farthest reaches....witty and entertaining." (Publishers Weekly)
"Smoothly entertaining, full of fascinating tidbits, and frequently humorous, these essays show Tyson as one of today's best popularizers of science." (Kirkus Reviews)
"[Tyson] demonstrates a good feel for explaining science in an intelligible way to interested lay readers; his rather rakish sense of humor should aid in making the book enjoyable." (Library Journal)

Meh... Nothing special...

When I bought this, I wasn't sure what to expect. Turned out, it was nothing special. Some useful information about the cosmos mixed in with Tyson's annoying quips and quibbles. He tried to make this entertaining with side comments such as "what goes up doesn't always come down" in reference to an object with enough escape velocity to escape earth's gravity. Through out the book, Tyson made many more such quips. Instead of making the book interesting and entertaining, it only made it more and more annoying. Buy it on sale if you must, but definitely don't spend full price.

Interesting book with a Lotta facts however, the pithy condescending tone gets old

Neil Degrasse Tyson has put together a book with a lot of interesting facts and knowledge. My problem is that it is difficult to get over the condescending tone throughout the book. She admits that occasionally science gets it wrong. However, make sure that the readers know that he’s not wrong. The very last chapter had me I rolling, stating that God can be nowhere involved with science. Intelligent humans who believe in God are ignorant? In my opinion, the more you look at the science, the more you realize it is way more complicated than scientists would have you believe. Just look at embryological development and you will realize there’s a lot of things that have to go right to make it work. The basic biological blueprint throughout all species and life on earth has the same type of coded structure. To think that somehow a genetic code could spontaneously write itself is in my opinion grasping at fantasy. We don’t know everything, but we don’t need call each other ignorant for “far-fetched ideas”. Scientist to completely dismiss a higher level being who could pass through space and time easily, and create life or not looking at the facts that are staring them right in the face. Tyson will discuss multi-verse and yet dismiss God offhand. Makes no sense to me that he would ignore the fact that he’s describing how God can exist.

The last chapter caused me to rate this book lower than it would have.

Very good, interesting & educational

Very good if you have a knack for astronomy, science, the cosmos, ... Pretty easy to understand most topics. Tyson is brilliant. Narration is so fine,

Great Information, Great Narrator

For anyone interested in getting an informative and entertaining ride through the history of science and cosmology, this is the book for you.

From Aristotle to Einstein to Hollywood and the multiverse, this book is a refreshing view on the history of cosmic research and theories. And yes, there is a whole chapter about what happens if you fall into a black hole.

Quality Stuff

I really loved this book. My only complaint which is a small one is that he touched on so many different topics that he didn't go quite as far in depth as I would have liked in some areas. That being said there is still a substantial amount of science to wrap your brain around in this book. Enough there to merit a second listen even. I enjoyed every minute.

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is great.

It is not necessary for you to be a science geek to appreciate this book. Dr. deGrasse Tyson explains things in a way that anyone can understand them. I would've preferred that he narrate, but it was done well, regardless.

Outstanding and informative!

What a title right? Well if you want an understanding of Astrophysics and how the universe works I have to recommend this book. I have long been a Science Fan and always enjoyed Neil Degrasse Tysons work on Nova Science Now. This book was a first for me in hardcore science listening. I found it absolutely enjoyable to learn in the manner for which he presents it. I am not Einstien but I am not forrest gump either. I was hoping it would have been read by Neil himself but I must say that I really enjoy Dion's voice and energy while he reads. Get this book!!!

Every thing about this book is wonderful!!!!!!!!!

I greatly enjoy lessening to Neil deGrasse Tyson books. The way he writes with emotion, pasion, and hummer greatly elite the listener. Dion Graham douse a phenomenal job reading the book so that you want to lissen to the book. If there was a hall of fame for audible.com this would be my first choice to nominate.

Blackholes for Morons

I like science and technology, and I don't like the Idea of being like the people from the movie Morons from outer space (Mel Smith) so many people I meet today don't know how the things work even a little, so this gives you some understanding in a enjoyment way, not just maths, formulators and equations, you need to listen to it a couple of time to remember all the information it offers, but it's worth it.
I listened to it while I was working.
I personnel think it's work buying.

Narration is bad

The book is really good, however narrative really puts you in a stupid position. His approach in this beautiful scientific book is like a father tells a story to his kids. At least I get an impression like that. He is making the words longer than expected. Like nooo agaain it iss noot.

I think he should have told the story as a past historical event and a little funny way. I think the problem is because of his accent. He tries to this but it becomes really bad.

Please also check the books and before buying please read the reviews,
1) Einstein
2) A short history of nearly everything
3) Predictably Irrational
Compare one of them with what I am trying to say.