Paul Parsons (1) (1971–)

This is a faboo reference book which isn't really meant to be read from cover-to-cover for most people. Every element up through atomic #100 has a one page describing it and a picture. The description page lists some basic info like melting and boiling points along with the etymology of both the name and the symbol, how it was discovered, ores it's found in, uses (if any) of the element, and some other interesting information about it. The picture is either of a pure sample, an ore sample from which it can be isolated, or in the case of the high atomic # elements, the equipment used to create it.

Four elements are unnamed in the book but that's only because they were recently named and the book has a 2013 copyright. It also has a glossary and an index. The only negative I can find is a nitpick and is a personal one for me. I dislike those circle electron valence shell diagrams!

As I wrote above, this is a great reference book for anyone from a youngster interested in chemistry to chemistry instructors or just anyone who wants to know more about elements. You can use it to look up a specific element or just randomly dip into it. What really sells it and makes it interesting to me is:

1) Nice, thick paper which makes it durable.
2) Low price which makes it easily accessible to more people.
3) The awesome pictures!

This book goes right into my go-to section for chemistry bookshelves!… (more)