The Pluto Files - by Neil Degrasse Tyson (Paperback)

Number of Pages: 208
Genre: Science
Sub-Genre: History
Format: Paperback
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Age Range: Adult
Author: Neil Degrasse Tyson
Language: English

About the Book

In his typically witty way, "New York Times"-bestselling author Tyson explores the history of planet classification and discusses America's obsession with the "planet" that's recently been judged a dwarf. Illustrated.

Book Synopsis

When the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History reclassified Pluto as an icy comet, the New York Times proclaimed on page one, Pluto Not a Planet? Only in New York. Immediately, the public, professionals, and press were choosing sides over Pluto's planethood. Pluto is entrenched in our cultural and emotional view of the cosmos, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, award-winning author and director of the Rose Center, is on a quest to discover why. He stood at the heart of the controversy over Pluto's demotion, and consequently Plutophiles have freely shared their opinions with him, including endless hate mail from third-graders. With his inimitable wit, Tyson delivers a minihistory of planets, describes the oversized characters of the people who study them, and recounts how America's favorite planet was ousted from the cosmic hub.

Review Quotes

An eclectic delight. Readers will laugh at the collection of song lyrics and cartoons inspired by the great Pluto-versy...smile at the photocopied letters from elementary-school children.--Fred Burtz "Seattle Times"

For young and old alike...a riveting book that makes you really care about Pluto.-- "Sacramento Book Review"

Wonderfully entertaining. The Pluto Files is positively transporting. Out of this world.--Heller McAlpin "Christian Science Monitor"