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.
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With his 2009 book The Elements, Theodore Gray gave a guided visual tour of every known atom in the universe. Now he takes the step up to the next level of building blocks: molecules. Accompanying him again on the expedition is photographer Nick Mann, who helped make the earlier book such a spectacular success. Quite logically, Molecules begins with a description of how atoms bond to form molecules and compounds and moves gracefully until we're reading about all matters of material creation and absorbing fascinating facts about the universe we wander through. A browse it; buy it book that both science lovers and general readers can enjoy.
From the Publisher
I am so bowled over by Molecules that I can only express my feelings with a one-word blurb: "WONDERFUL!" — Oliver Sacks"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
Library Journal
11/15/2014
Building on the success of his previous works, Gray (Wolfram Research; The Elements) introduces a coffee-table book that moves beyond elements and into molecules. Through photographs and illustrations, the author introduces us to many of the molecules that affect our everyday and not-so-everyday lives. While anyone can appreciate the impressive visuals in this book, others will be frustrated by Gray's prose style. The text is written at an uncomfortable intermediate level; some captions go into great or even excessive detail, while others are sparse at best. Readers with moderate to extensive knowledge of the subject will question many of Gray's descriptions and assertions, and those with little or no chemical education will be unable to understand other captions owing to their incomplete explanations. The focus is clearly on the photography, often to the extreme detriment of substance and coverage. VERDICT Readers who wish to learn more about chemistry would be better served with another work that isn't so strongly focused on photography. Those already familiar with the topic are sure to enjoy the images.—John Kromer, Miami Univ. of Ohio Lib., Oxford, OH
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