Staff Pick
Theodore Gray's new book is full of fascinating scientific facts, gorgeous pictures, and a surprising amount of whimsy as he succinctly, comprehensibly, and captivatingly lays out for us the building blocks of our world. Recommended By Gigi L., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
In his highly anticipated sequel to
The Elements, Theodore Gray demonstrates how the elements of the periodic table combine to form the molecules that make up our world.
Everything physical is made up of the elements and the infinite variety of molecules they form when they combine with each other. In Molecules, Theodore Gray takes the next step in the grand story that began with the periodic table in his best-selling book, The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe. Here, he explores through fascinating stories and trademark stunning photography the most interesting, essential, useful, and beautiful of the millions of chemical structures that make up every material in the world.
Gray begins with an explanation of how atoms bond to form molecules and compounds, as well as the difference between organic and inorganic chemistry. He then goes on to explore the vast array of materials molecules can create, including: soaps and solvents; goops and oils; rocks and ores; ropes and fibers; painkillers and dangerous drugs; sweeteners; perfumes and stink bombs; colors and pigments; and controversial compounds including asbestos, CFCs, and thimerosal.
Big, gorgeous photographs, as well as diagrams of the compounds and their chemical bonds, rendered with never before seen beauty, fill the pages and capture molecules in their various states.
As he did in The Elements, Gray shows us molecules as we've never seen them before. It's the perfect book for his loyal fans who've been eager for more and for anyone fascinated with the mysteries of the material world.
Review
"I am so bowled over by Molecules that I can only express my feelings with a one-word blurb: 'WONDERFUL!'" Oliver Sacks
Review
"Molecules is like dipping your toe in a clear shallow pool — with transparent explanations, shimmering graphics, and luminous photography — then suddenly realizing you are happily swimming in deep waters, relaxed and having fun! The science here is presented so elegantly you'll feel like you are holding a jewelry catalog, and it's impossible to put down. A must have for anyone of any age or education." Jamie Hyneman, Host, MythBusters
Synopsis
The second book in the bestselling Elements Trilogy by Theodore Gray, Molecules demonstrates, through stunning, never-before-seen images and illustrations, how the elements of the periodic table combine to form the molecules that make up our world. Everything physical is made up of the elements and the infinite variety of molecules they form when they combine with each other. In Molecules, Theodore Gray takes the next step in the story that began with the periodic table in his best-selling book, The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe. Here, he explores, through fascinating stories and trademark stunning photography, the most interesting, essential, useful, and beautiful of the millions of chemical structures that make up every material in the world.
Gray begins with an explanation of how atoms bond to form molecules and compounds, as well as the difference between organic and inorganic chemistry. He then goes on to explore the vast array of materials molecules can create, including: soaps and solvents; goops and oils; rocks and ores; ropes and fibers; painkillers and dangerous drugs; sweeteners; perfumes and stink bombs; colors and pigments; and controversial compounds including asbestos, CFCs, and thimerosal.
Big, gorgeous photographs, as well as diagrams of the compounds and their chemical bonds, rendered with never before seen beauty, fill the pages and capture molecules in their various states.
As he did in The Elements, Gray shows us molecules as we've never seen them before. It's the perfect book for his loyal fans who've been eager for more and for anyone fascinated with the mysteries of the material world.
Synopsis
In Molecules, bestselling author Theodore Gray demonstrates, through stunning, never-before-seen images and illustrations, how the elements of the periodic table combine to form the molecules that make up our world. Everything physical is made up of the elements and the infinite variety of molecules they form when they combine with each other. In Molecules, Theodore Gray takes the next step in the story that began with the periodic table in his best-selling book, The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe. Here, he explores, through fascinating stories and trademark stunning photography, the most interesting, essential, useful, and beautiful of the millions of chemical structures that make up every material in the world.
Gray begins with an explanation of how atoms bond to form molecules and compounds, as well as the difference between organic and inorganic chemistry. He then goes on to explore the vast array of materials molecules can create, including: soaps and solvents; goops and oils; rocks and ores; ropes and fibers; painkillers and dangerous drugs; sweeteners; perfumes and stink bombs; colors and pigments; and controversial compounds including asbestos, CFCs, and thimerosal.
Big, gorgeous photographs, as well as diagrams of the compounds and their chemical bonds, rendered with never before seen beauty, fill the pages and capture molecules in their various states.
As he did in The Elements, Gray shows us molecules as we've never seen them before. It's the perfect book for his loyal fans who've been eager for more and for anyone fascinated with the mysteries of the material world.
About the Author
Theodore Gray is the author of
The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe;
Theo Gray's Mad Science: Experiments You Can Do At Home, But Probably Shouldn't;
Mad Science 2: Experiments You Can Do At Home, But Still Probably Shouldn't; and
Popular Science magazine's "Gray Matter" column. With his company Touch Press, Gray is the developer of best-selling iPad and iPhone apps, including
The Elements,
Solar System,
Disney Animated,
The Orchestra,
The Waste Land, and
Skulls by Simon Winchester. He lives in Urbana, Illinois.
Nick Mann is the photographer of The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe. Aside from having photographed more elements and compounds than probably anyone in the world, he is an accomplished landscape, sports, and event photographer. He lives in Urbana, Illinois.