"The Essential Cosmic Perspective is designed as a textbook for college courses in introductory astronomy, but is suitable for any-one who is curious about the universe. We assume no prior knowledge of astronomy or physics, and the book is especially written for students who do not intend to major in mathematics or science. The Essential Cosmic Perspective is the mid-level of the three general astronomy textbooks we offer. Our longer book, The Cosmic Perspective, provides a comprehensive survey of modern astronomy with enough depth to fill a two-semester introductory astronomy sequence. This book, The Essential Cosmic Perspective, is trimmed down to fit what can realistically be covered in a one-semester survey of astronomy, though it may also be used with two-semester sequences. Our shortest textbook, The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals, covers only the most fundamental topics in astronomy and is designed for courses that address a more limited set of topics"--