Periodic Tales -Book Review

Hugh Aldersey Williams- British author,natural sciences at Cambridge, has curated exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Muesum. b.1959

The writer Hugh Aldersey-Williams book 'Periodic Tales',published in 2011, was described by the Telegraph as 'a paean to the building block of matter'. 

The book takes us on a journey from the earliest days of copper and bronze works in the stone age era, right the way through to 21st century discoveries. In doing so Aldersey-Williams helps to create a sense of excitement and wonder that in years to come we still have a spectrum of knowledge to be gained about the elements.

The book provides an endless array facts on some of the most famous elements and rather than just look at the 'science' edge and statistical facts of each element it explores it's discovery and in doing so helps to develop a sense of character and personality for each element.

The book is great for broadening perspective on how we view the elements and how they play a role in our lives. It's also an easy read so was a great way for me or anyone else to begin reading more into science.

My personal favourite chapter would have to be the element 'Polonium', so named after Marie Curie's homeland (Poland), in this chapter we explore the story of Marie Curie and her contribution to chemistry whilst living in France. She was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel prize, and the only woman to have won a Nobel prize in two fields. In addition she was the first woman to become a Professor at the University of Paris.

Other memorable parts of the book include the American Platinum Craze and the discovery of Phosphorous which Aldersey-Williams himself tries to recreate using his own urine! 

Overall the book is an interesting and easy read, and has an interesting numbers of stories. The only disadvantage is that there is little relation to the AS-level syllabus and the book is close to verging on being a story book, so not suited to those looking for a more intense read, in addition Aldersey-Williams doesn't cover all the elements but only those with the celebrity like fame to be common knowledge for everyone.

-Izzie