Explore the captivating history woven into the very fabric of existence with The Disappearing Spoon. This book delves into the periodic table, revealing the passion, adventure, betrayal, and obsession surrounding the elements that shape our world. Discover the untold stories behind carbon, neon, silicon, gold, and every other element as they intersect with human history, finance, mythology, conflict, the arts, and medicine.

• Fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, discovery, and alchemy.
• Explores the roles of elements in historical events, such as why Gandhi disliked iodine (I, 53) and how radium (Ra, 88) impacted Marie Curie's reputation.
• Covers the narrative arc of elements from the big bang through to the end of time.
• Features tales about the frequently eccentric scientists who discovered these fundamental building blocks.

This paperback edition contains the complete narrative by Sam Kean, covering the history and lore of all elements on the periodic table.

• Author: Sam Kean
• Binding: paperback
• Language: English
• Publication Date: July 28, 2011
• Publisher: Black Swan
• Print Length: 400 pages
• ISBN-10: 0552777501
• ISBN-13: 978-0552777506
• Dimensions: 12.8 x 2.4 x 19.8 cm
• Weight: 278 g

For readers interested in the intersection of scientific achievement and human drama, The Disappearing Spoon offers an engaging journey through the elements that define our universe.