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Periodic Tales: The Curious Lives Of The Elements (2011)

by Hugh Aldersey-Williams(Favorite Author)

3.69 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0670918113 (ISBN13: 9780670918119)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Viking

review 1: A meandering personal scientific historic journey though the elements. I can understand why some folk found this hard going: the numerous diversions off to visit a shop, a mine, a lab, a library, a museum might distract from the central narrative of 'how the elements wee discovered' but actually ACTUALLY this is how science works. Something read or seen might spark the imagination which generates motivation in the midst of fruitless struggle..... Look, if you like to know 'totally useless' facts that might just ignite a bored teenager to take an interest in science, so they see that real people with real lives did real work over years to wrestle a substance out from its mineral which now allows their mobile phone to work, then this book is great. The inclusion of where t... morehe quotes came from, a huge bibliography and a fantastic index [with the elements in bold :) :) :) ] just adds value to this tome. The only disappointment was that this book was not produced by Dorling Kindersley. It would have doubled the length to nearly 900 pages but huge photographs in colour would have just been the icing on the panna cotta.
review 2: A fascinating read. The author remains approachable and engaging throughout. I was absolutely delighted to read the endeavors of a chemist (as opposed to a science writer): he builds up experiments, picks up rocks, solders metals, makes fireworks.. Aldersey succeeds in evoking the omnipresence of elements by blending hard science and very relatable anecdotes. The narrative (if there is one) hinges beautifully on these two themes as the book opens with the author's childhood project to create a physical periodic table. I also found Aldersey's general culture admirable. Although nowadays we seem to hold on tight to the distinction between people of science and those in the humanities, he proves to be very well learned in both, which not only makes him attuned to the cultural and human history surrounding his search while never forgetting his scientific vision. In fact, both compliment each other in this book, and that is all too rare.The only minor gripe I had with Periodic Tales, is that some elements are treated very superficially. I understand Aldersey didn't intend to write an encyclopedia but, I felt a bit let down by moments.. less

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