norman said on 2013/01/24 at 3:58 pm
You may be familiar with the Periodic Tables of the Elements. This book is about them, but in a differant way. It is not academic or stuffy, it is not a scientific treatise. What it is is an entertaining trot through some of the elements, relating stories about their discovery and discoverers.
They are interesting, often extraordinary, highly entertaining and you will learn a lot without tears. The author goes in search of some of the elements to add to his collection, so we get to go with him to some fascinating places, so its a bit of a travelogue as well. For anyone wanting to broaden their mind in the gentlest of ways, this is the book for you. You will not be disappointed.
I hope the reviews I am posting are helpful to others. Please let me know if you would like more, and if you read any of the books I review, do post your comments, they will be most helpfull to me and other readers.
Happy Reading,
Norman.
norman said on 24/01/2013 at 3:58 pm
Hi Michael,
No, I haven't read the Primo Levi title, but i'll put it on my list. Which is getting to be a very long one.
Thanks also for your positive feedback, I'll be posting another review soon.
Keep in touch and encourage your friends.
Best Wishes,
Norman.
Michael Allan said on 24/01/2013 at 6:29 am
Thank you for the review Norman. Yes, more reviews would be very welcome. It is good to hear about new books.
Do you know The Periodic Table by Primo Levi? Levi was an industrial chemist, novelist and survivor of the Holocaust. This book uses the periodic elements to reflect on people and events in his life. It is a fascinating read, and very moving in places.