From my high school days, I remember that сhemistry books tended to be extremely tedious and complicated—only true science geeks could enjoy this convoluted reading. The times have changed! Now the shelves are filled with fascinating сhemistry books that are excellent for self-study and suitable for total beginners! If you are looking for an easy-read сhemistry book before university, when all the comprehensive studies begin, there will be a treat for you as well! Here is a list of chemistry books that every undergrad student should be familiar with!
Stuff Matters
By Mark Miodownik
—Chemistry Book to Read before University. Stuff Matters brings you on an exploration of evelen man-made materials that we take for granted—like paper, porcelain, plastic, steel, glass, and… chocolate. The emphasis is on the history of these materials as well as on their current-day application. You will also learn a lot about why these materials have their properties and functions—durability, elasticity, stretchiness (that’s when a lot of сhemistry comes into the picture). None of the materials are demonized (what often happens with plastic), and all the “stuff” is given a deserved treatment. Mark Miodownik, a Material Science professor at UCL, reveals the miracles and astonishing histories behind these mundane materials. This book will definitely convince you that сhemistry can be a thrilling story.
Napoleon’s Buttons
By Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson
—One of the Best Chemistry Books for Beginners. Napoleon’s Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History is a modern-day classic for the history of science and technology, initially published in 1991. Napoleon’s Buttons offers you a fascinating and educating read about 17 molecules, for example, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), artificial hormones, tin, glucose, and salt (who would think these subjects can be described as interesting at all?). It can be read like an exciting novel with elements of a detective story and a thriller, written by a duo of authors who nourish a passion for сhemistry with great gusto for details. Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson will share with you how these molecules altered our diets, defined the outcomes of wars, and influenced law-making. Adventurous narratives and easily understandable explanations make Napoleon’s Buttons one of the best chemistry books for undergraduates. Chemistry makes the world go round!
The Elements
By Theodore Gray
—The Best Chemistry Book for Self-Study. The Elements is the most visually appealing chemistry book you could ever find. Each page of The Elements features fantastic quality photographs depicting every element. Every chemistry student should have this edition as their coffee table book! Each entry is supplied with a brief history of an element and its extensive characteristics, which renders the book a helpful reference resource or an introductory Chemistry textbook for undergraduates. In any case, you will find The Elements a joyful and valuable addition to your library! If you have friends who are studying chemistry, I bet it would be a perfect gift for them.
It is the most visually appealing chemistry book you could ever find. Each page of The Elements features fantastic quality photographs depicting every element. Every chemistry student should have this edition as their coffee table book!
Each entry is supplied with a brief history of an element and its extensive characteristics, which renders the book a helpful reference resource or an introductory Chemistry textbook for undergraduates. In any case, you will find The Elements a joyful and valuable addition to your library! If you have friends who are studying chemistry, I bet it would be a perfect gift for them.
The Disappearing Spoon
By Sam Kean
—The Best Chemistry Beginners Book. There is no chemistry without the periodic table of elements. The Disappearing Spoon takes this statement even further: some famous scientists and even authors (like Mark Twain) wouldn’t have experienced passion, love, and madness had it not been for the periodic table. But the book is not only about a handful of fascinating stories. Behind them lies an array of widely appealing questions: why do things appear as they are? How did people first encounter chemical elements? The Disappearing Spoon is a great chemistry book for self-study. You will learn how the periodic table works and why it is structured in this particular way.
Definitely, one of the most fascinating chemistry books to read! Wondering why this book has such a weird title? Check this trick of the disappearing gallium spoon.
Timberlake’s Chemistry
By Karen C. Timberlake
—The Best College Chemistry Textbook. Why does studying chemistry at college matter, especially if it is not your major? If you’re still wondering, one of the best approachable chemistry textbooks—Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry—will give you an answer. Karen Timberlake is a renowned professor and chemistry textbook author, so her name on the cover is a sure sign of quality. In this textbook, she treats both organic and inorganic chemistry, which makes it a great introductory read, able to supply you with foundational knowledge on the subject. Importantly, no prior knowledge is needed to study this textbook.
Importantly, chemistry is not presented as an isolated field but linked to health and the environment. Therefore, the textbook is highly applicable to those considering careers in these spheres. It is also a must-read for medical students as Timberlake gives examples from real medical practice.
Obviously, Chemistry: An Introduction is not fit for an entertaining pastime. It is not written to become your favorite nonfiction book as others on the list are; however, it is one of the best basic chemistry books for beginners. If you have already made up your mind to study chemistry at college, buy this textbook without hesitation.
These best books for chemistry undergraduate students will definitely confirm your opinion that this subject is entertaining to study and crucial for understanding our everyday lives and histories.
