Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe

by Theodore Gray, Nick Mann (Photographer)

Overview

With more than 1 million copies sold worldwide, The Elements is the most entertaining, comprehensive, and visually arresting book on all 118 elements in the periodic table.

Includes a poster of Theodore Gray's iconic photographic periodic table of the elements!

Based on seven years of research and photography by Theodore Gray and Nick Mann, The Elements presents the most complete and visually arresting representation available to the naked eye of every atom in the universe. Organized sequentially by atomic number, every element is represented by a big beautiful photograph that most closely represents it in its purest form. Several additional photographs show each element in slightly altered forms or as used in various practical ways. Also included are fascinating stories of the elements, as well as data on the properties of each, including atomic number, atomic symbol, atomic weight, density, atomic radius, as well as scales for electron filling order, state of matter, and an atomic emission spectrum.

This of solid science and stunning artistic photographs is the perfect gift book for every sentient creature in the universe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781579128951
Publisher:	Running Press Book Publishers
Publication date:	04/03/2012
Series:	Rp Minis
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	68,909
Product dimensions:	9.96(w) x 9.84(h) x 0.64(d)

About the Author

Theodore Gray is the author of The Elements, Molecules, and Reactions, as well as Theodore Gray's Completely Mad Science. He is the creator of the bestselling iPad apps "Elements" and "Molecules," which have both been named "App of the Week" by Apple and was Director of "Disney Animated" (also honored by Apple as "iPad App of the Year"). Gray appeared on stage with Steve Jobs several times in his capacity as a software creator. He also co-founded Wolfram Research, Inc., makers of the widely-used software Mathematica and the Wolfram Alpha website. He lives in Urbana, Illinois.

Nick Mann is a photographer specializing in taking beautiful photos of inanimate objects on black backgrounds. His other work includes Molecules,, Reactions, and How Things Work. Originally of Urbana, IL, he lives in Champaign, IL and North Liberty, IA, where he is working towards a geology degree at Cornell College.

Editorial Reviews

Starred Review.

Gray (Mad Science) blends science, art, and social commentary in this delightful and informative romp through the periodic table. Each element is photographed in as close to its natural state as possible (hydrogen being one of the most beautiful and creative representations: a stunning photograph of the starlight-laden Eagle Nebula), with a page or two devoted to the history of its use and discovery, along with any unusual atomic properties. A sidebar shows each element's place on the periodic table, atomic weight, density, atomic radius, crystal structure, electron filing order, atomic emission spectrum, and state of matter according to temperature. But what differentiates this from a textbook are the brilliant photos and Gray's lively commentary: e.g., "Yttrium is something of a hippy element," or "the continued use of tungsten in light bulbs is an abomination." In addition to the author's witty asides, fascinating bits of trivia abound: bananas are slightly radioactive; rare earth elements are not really rare; scientists have created fewer than two dozen atoms of meitnerium, an element created in a lab with a half-life of 43 minutes. While the book's size and its numerous gorgeous photographs might classify it as a coffee-table book, kids and adults alike (including those who dozed through basic chemistry) will be mesmerized and inspired to question the elemental basis of our world. 500+ color photos.
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Publishers Weekly

Praise for The Elements:

"I don't know if this is the first coffee-table book paying lush photographic homage to the periodic table, but it is certainly the most gorgeous one I've seen." —John Tierney, The New York Times

"The Elements is a loving reimagination of the classic table." —Wired

"Gray's trademark dry wit and historical anecdotes bring even the most basic lumps to life." —Popular Science

"A great mix of science and art." —Discover

From the Publisher