Dec 03
Before I was in publishing, I worked in bookstores. While I worked in bookstores, I studied graphic design. Before I studied graphic design, I (briefly) studied chemical engineering. However, even if I hadn’t had that fleeting time with the beakers and test tubes, I would still be obsessed with The Elements by Theodore Gray.
Subtitled “A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe,” this gorgeous book goes element by element, giving each a two-page spread filled with photographs of the element in its pure state and of the element as it occurs in the real world. It’s amazing to me how beautiful so many of these are in their pure forms. The side of each spread is filled with all of the scientific data that define the element (i.e. all the things I couldn’t memorize in college). Here’s an example of a spread:
Stunning, isn’t it? I’m obviously not the only one who thinks so. The book is selling out everywhere. It’s so lavishly designed and printed, that the publisher isn’t able to have more ready until the new year. So if you see a copy of this book, grab it now. If you can’t find it, tell your favorite bookstore to put your name on the waiting list now. You won’t be disappointed.
___________________
I’ll end with a couple of links. Definitely check out the author’s website, where you can see close-ups of all of the items photographed for the book; many even have rotating video views. There’s also an online store that sells many other products including flashcards, posters, placemats and custom posters spelling anything you want in element symbols! And finally, be sure to check out this very cool video featuring images from the book, set to Tom Lehrer’s song, The Elements:
___________________
We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:
The Elements by Theodore Gray, Black Dog & Leventhal hardcover
The Elements by Theodore Gray, Black Dog & Leventhal hardcover
(all information is for the U.S. editions).
If you're new here and like what we do, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed, or sign up to receive Books On The Nightstand updates by email. We hope we've given you some great book recommendations. Thanks for visiting!
Have a comment, question, or book recommendation? Call our voicemail line and wait for the beep. Tell us if we may play your message on a future podcast.
Thank you so much for posting this book. I’m trying to pick out books for all the kids in the family and this will hit the spot for our math/science whiz. Great pick (I just hope I can get my hands on one!)
This is such a neat book! My little guy is only around 3, but I could really see this being useful and entertaining as he grows up. Thanks for the suggestion!
Love it! I’m such a chemistry geek. I’ve already ordered from Amazon. Won’t get here till the end of the month but since it’s a gift for me anyways, no worries.
I was curious about the book from the description and title. The video may have been overkill.
…I want it.
I want to put a plug in for this book. It just came in the mail yesterday. It’s beautifully designed and fun to read–not too technical although for those of you who are into it there is a chart showing which shells each element fills up (I get fuzzy after…uhm, Helium.) I’ve already passed it around for my co-workers to admire and envy.
Based on your recommendation I bought THE ELEMENTS as a gift for a friend, and my husband liked the look of it so much I’m going to get a second copy for him! (Don’t tell- it’s a secret!) Thanks for this awesome pointer.