Asimov on Chemistry [Hardcover]

Isaac Asimov (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 267 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday (June 1974)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385041004
• ISBN-13: 978-0385041003
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,846,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comments on "Isaac Asimov on Chemistry", December 4, 2000

By 

Dr. G. R. Ross "g_r_ross1961" (Birmingham, England, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Asimov on Chemistry (Hardcover)

I borrowed this book from a friend to read recently. I am a secondary school teacher of chemistry in England (11 to 18 year olds) and I was interested to see whether I could pick up any anecdotes or teaching tips from the book, as well as expand my general knowledge of chemistry.

I found the book to be very easy to read. The complexities of chemistry are largely demystified and the writing is both simple and full of enthusiasm for the subject. The key point that Asimov puts over is that highly complicated concepts can be broken down into a series of logical, simple steps that most students can understand. There are also lots of little anecdoates that can be used in class as throwaway lines to emphasise a point.

A final comment concerning the book: although it was written in the 1960's, much of what Asimov predicts has come true, whether it concern space travel, global warming, increased use of computers etc. It is clear that he has an excellent understanding of chemistry, and the capability to put this understanding and enthusisasm over in a easy-to-read manner.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Typical Asimov, March 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Asimov on chemistry (Hardcover)

This is a collection of 17 essays written between 1959 and 1966. It's an anecdotal approach to chemistry. Plenty of history (the whos and the hows) along with the facts and figures.

It makes a good booster for high school or college students looking to understand what they're learning in class. Provides a different perspective than the typical textbook. I bought this when I was in high school and just looking to round out my understanding of chemistry; I've kept it long past that because it's just plain a good book to have around. It's not comprehensive but it does an interesting job with the topics it does tackle. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the subject.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr. Asimov's collection of significant essays on chemistry, August 22, 2006

By 

ThorBjorn "Norseman" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Asimov on Chemistry (Mass Market Paperback)

I originally found this book at the library, as well as similar essay collections (Asimov: On Physics, On Numbers, On Astronomy). All of Asimov's science books are fascinating sources for the casual reader. I would recommend any of his similar books for those recently curious about science in general. Many of his books are compilations of essays and articles published in various periodicals, all concepts explained in the manner almost exclusive to his enlightened and prolific pen.