Title: The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements
Author: Sam Kean
First published January 1, 2010
394 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316051644 (ISBN10: 0316051640)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
What do Gandhi, Marie Curie, and laboratory pranksters have in common? The periodic table! The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean is a fascinating journey through the elements of the periodic table.
Explore the history, science, and mythology behind each element and the eccentric scientists who discovered them. From the big bang to the end of time, this book masterfully weaves together science and lore, taking readers on an adventure full of betrayal, obsession, and madness.
Learn why Gandhi hated iodine, how radium nearly ruined Marie Curie’s reputation, and why gallium is the go-to element for a classic science prank. With its engaging writing style and intriguing stories, The Disappearing Spoon is a must-read for anyone who loves science, history, and a good tale.
About the Author
Meet Sam Kean, a writer based in Washington, D.C. His writing has been featured in a variety of publications, including The New York Times Magazine, Mental Floss, Slate, The Believer, Air & Space, Science, and The New Scientist. Currently, he works as a reporter at Science magazine and is also a 2009 Middlebury Environmental Journalism fellow.
While he may occasionally get mistaken for someone named Sean, Sam grew up in South Dakota and holds a special place in his heart for his home state. He’s a quick reader but takes his time when it comes to eating.
Sam attended college in Minnesota where he pursued both physics and English. Following graduation, he taught for several years at an innovative charter school in St. Paul where classes were held in the evening.
After a brief stint attempting to move to Spain, Sam settled in Washington, D.C. He holds a master’s degree in library science, though he’s not sure if he’ll ever use it. While he doesn’t have a favorite sports team, Sam has a soft spot for track & field.
Editoral Review
The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean is a gripping and informative read that takes the reader on a journey through the fascinating history of the periodic table of elements. Sam Kean is a science writer who has written for The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, and The Economist.
In The Disappearing Spoon, Kean weaves together the histories of the elements and the scientists who discovered them into a collection of true tales that are funny, surprising, and sometimes dark. The book is divided into chapters that focus on different elements, and each chapter provides a snapshot of the element’s discovery and development, as well as anecdotes about the scientists who made those discoveries.
Kean’s writing is engaging and informative, and he manages to make even the most complex concepts easy to understand. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to make science interesting and accessible to a wide audience.
Kean has a knack for explaining scientific concepts in a way that is both entertaining and informative, and his use of anecdotes and quirky details adds a depth and richness to the book that makes it a joy to read. Another strength is Kean’s attention to historical and cultural context.
He shows how the discovery of the elements was intricately tied to the politics, economics, and social norms of the time, and he provides a detailed picture of the cultural and scientific landscape that allowed these discoveries to happen. Perhaps the only weakness of The Disappearing Spoon is its lack of focus on modern chemistry.
While Kean gives a thorough accounting of the history of the periodic table, he doesn’t spend as much time on modern developments or current topics in chemistry. However, this is a minor quibble and doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the book.
Overall, The Disappearing Spoon is a must-read for anyone who is interested in science or history. It is a well-written and informative book that manages to make science exciting and accessible.
Sam Kean’s writing is engaging and entertaining, and his attention to detail and historical context make the book a valuable contribution to the field of popular science writing. I highly recommend The Disappearing Spoon for anyone who is looking for an engaging and informative read.
It is an excellent book that is sure to delight and educate readers of all backgrounds and interests. Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars
