Product Description
Weaving natural history, memoir, and the stories of maverick scientists, daring adventurers, and stargazing dreamers, this epic work takes us from Antarctica to outer space to tell the tale of how the study of meteorites became a scientific passion. A famed polar explorer who risked personal ruin-and the lives of his crew-in a quest for massive iron meteorites hidden in an Arctic wasteland. A nervy, obscure professor who staked his life against the scientific indifference of his day to become the world's most prominent meteorite collector and researcher. An Australian scientist confronted with a geological mystery in the Outback-the key to which might yet unlock a secret of evolution on planet Earth. These characters and many other collectors, researchers, dreamers, schemers, and ordinary people populate Christopher Cokinos's The Fallen Sky. Through their foibles and successes, their adventures and tragedies, Cokinos unfolds the panoramic history of how science came to understand meteorites-the rocks that fall from space to the Earth-and how these stones reveal truths not only of the solar system, but of the human heart as well. Long sought as trophies of exploratory success, scientific specimens, or even space-age novelties, meteorites have a long and complex hold on the human psyche. Their allure endures from tribal altars to high-tech labs, and Cokinos incisively explores the drama and history of our pursuit of the fallen sky. Over the course of more than seven years, he crisscrossed the globe from Greenland to the American Southwest, from Australia to Antarctica, following in the footsteps of explorers, collectors, and scientists, gaining access to their personal papers and documents, to try to understand the obsession that draws so many people to these fragments of iron and stone, these pieces of the universe that we can hold in our hands. This is an adventure story, a compelling work of first-person literary journalism, and a scientific history, all told through the lives of its remarkable characters-the eccentrics and geniuses who have committed themselves to understanding the stuff of life and death that comes from the sky.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 6 reviews)

The focus on meteorites and their origins, study and science makes for a lively and fine read by Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

5 Stars
November 17, 2009
THE FALLEN SKY: AN INTIMATE HISTORY OF SHOOTING STARS blends natural history, science, and a memoir as it probes maverick scientists and adventurers studying meteorites from early to modern times. The focus on meteorites and their origins, study and science makes for a lively and fine read recommended not just for science libraries, but for general-interest collections.

Mixed Review by Emmett T. McQueen (America, Land of the Free -- Still)

3 Stars
September 10, 2009
I, not unlike Cokinos' experience in his later chapters recounting his Antarctic adventure - found myself in the beginning of this book fascinated by the world of meteorites and their passionate devotees, and eventually dreading every paragraph of the writer's increasing self absorption. Like Cokinos trapped on the ice - by the last chapter I wanted out. For me a story is more interesting than the storyteller - with few exceptions. Edward Hoagland has found a balance. Bill Bryson even at his misanthropic worst (best) can pull it off. John McPhee is still the gold standard though. I remember "The Survival Of The Bark Canoe" as a great read about a quirky, passionate individual. I don't really know what McPhee thinks of Henri Valencourt nor do I care. I still liked "The Fallen Sky" due to the fact that it seemed well researched and well written. When Cokinos was describing historical events or painting a picture of a fanatical Robert Haag he was at his best. His opinions regarding the many controversial figures in meteorite history were thankfully kept close to the vest in a fair and journalistic manner.

A lovely book about meteorites and more by Dexter (Virginia)

5 Stars
September 08, 2009
I recently watched the Perseid meteor shower, in no small part because of this book. The lovely descriptions of interstellar life; the insightful reflections on what it means to pursue, and be consumed by, passion; and the depth and breadth of information about meteorites and those whose lives are touched by these fallen bits of sky--this book leaves nothing overlooked, no stone unturned. I'm baffled by some of the claims that the book omits important pieces of information. I found a note about calcium-aluminum inclusions in a longer discussion of chondrules--see the reference to them in the index. I also found the balance between Cokinos's introspection and his recounting of important scientists and collectors to be perfect. It's a fine example of narrative nonfiction. It's clear that this book is well researched, thoughtful, and in this reader's opinion, a must read for anyone who has stared at the sky in wonder.

a book to savor by Evelyn Johnson (Farmington, New Mexico United States)

5 Stars
September 02, 2009
Perhaps it's rash to write a review when I'm only 42 pages into a book...but the writing... it's such a pleasure to read this author. My intellectual side has been stimulated, I have laughed heartily and cried bitterly. So I am eagerly making time to read the remaining 400+ pages. One small quibble: I wish there were a few photos for now I must see what the Willamette meteorite looks like after reading the wonderfully intrigueing description.

A Remarkable History of Meteorites by dream factory (Triangulum, M33)

5 Stars
August 17, 2009
Those who have held a rock which has fallen from space know the allure it possesses. Floating through the dark cosmos for billions of years. Now it sits right there in the palm of your hand. Quite an experience if I say so myself. Their rarity and diversity are aspects which draw my attention. A favorite meterorite afficionatos book has been Norton's 'Rocks From Space'. And then came their recent 'Field Guide'. 'The Fallen Sky' immediately falls into amoung the most remarkable books on the subject. Written in a personal simple style it presents the various aspects of the world of meteors and meteorites. That being: the history of the actual rocks and their space environment, the history of discovery and analysis (beginning from 1795 Ernest Chladni), and Cokinos personal amore with the field of fallen rocks. Yes there may be some criticism regarding some ommisions. Carbon-aluminum inclusions as components of carbonaceous chondrites. Taylor and Clayton were missed. But that dose not make for a bad book. On the contrary. 'The Fallen Sky' proves to be a great book and a wonderful read. Amazon's price is right + the book is great = throw a log onto the fire and it will be a wonderful night.

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