Before I was in publishing, I worked in bookstores. While I worked in bookstores, I studied graphic design. Before I studied graphic design, I (briefly) studied chemical engineering. However, even if I hadn't had that fleeting time with the beakers and test tubes, I would still be obsessed with The Elements by Theodore Gray.
Subtitled "A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe," this gorgeous book goes element by element, giving each a two-page spread filled with photographs of the element in its pure state and of the element as it occurs in the real world. It's amazing to me how beautiful so many of these are in their pure forms. The side of each spread is filled with all of the scientific data that define the element (i.e. all the things I couldn't memorize in college). Here's an example of a spread:
Stunning, isn't it? I'm obviously not the only one who thinks so. The book is selling out everywhere. It's so lavishly designed and printed, that the publisher isn't able to have more ready until the new year. So if you see a copy of this book, grab it now. If you can't find it, tell your favorite bookstore to put your name on the waiting list now. You won't be disappointed.
___________________I'll end with a couple of links. Definitely check out the author's website, where you can see close-ups of all of the items photographed for the book; many even have rotating video views. There's also an online store that sells many other products including flashcards, posters, placemats and custom posters spelling anything you want in element symbols! And finally, be sure to check out this very cool video featuring images from the book, set to Tom Lehrer's song, The Elements:
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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:
The Elements by Theodore Gray, Black Dog & Leventhal hardcover
The Elements by Theodore Gray, Black Dog & Leventhal hardcover
(all information is for the U.S. editions).
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