Popular Chemistry books

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A thread for recommendations and requests!

I've read a ton of Peter Atkins books, but by far the best is Reactions. A simple book of 10 or so reactions, explained in depth but with very simple language. I've referred to it a few times as it provides a great way of explaining things like combustion to people without resorting to diagrams.

Another great one is Molecules of Murder: Criminal Molecules and Classic Cases, by Emsley. He's a great writer, as much a historian as a chemist. It's another 'case study' forensics book which looks into the use of various (mainly)naturally occuring organic compounds and how their use as a poison was thwarted or eventually discovered. Easy read, very interesting and covers among others, Harold Shipman and recent attempts such as the murder of Litvinenko in London.

SOL

The Periodic Table by Primo Levi is a great read. It is a series of short stories, each related to chemistry to a greater or lesser extent many from the authors own life. It is an excellent read.

EoghanIRL

Neutron walks into a bar is amusing .
I was at a chemistry quiz tonight and I love interesting facts . That book Is full of them .

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SOL wrote: »

The Periodic Table by Primo Levi is a great read. It is a series of short stories, each related to chemistry to a greater or lesser extent many from the authors own life. It is an excellent read.

Payday is this friday, amazon will be my first stop!

loudona

The Linus Pauling Papers are a joy to read if you want some actual academic literature

Valmont

I just came in to ask about popular chemistry books, thanks!