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adrianalecompte's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Has some interesting anecdotes in the middle of the book that I really enjoyed learning about. Has a good refresher of basic chemistry and physics relating to gases, the atmosphere, and tells the history of how gases were formed, components discovered over time, how they lead to modern technologies and eventually, polluting the environment. Slow at times but enjoyed it overall.
dcunitz's review against another edition
4.0
"Human beings crank out 175 million tons of ammonia fertilizer each year, and that fertilizer grows half the world's food."
nick_w's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
4.25
More editorialized than his previous works, new layout with “interludes” and fewer miscellanea, still a delight.
sarahareinhard's review against another edition
5.0
Rec from a science prof during a college visit with my daughter, and it hit on so many things I love. Kean takes the facts and the science, from chemistry to physics to a dash of engineering, and makes it intriguing storytelling. The stories are fascinating and delightful.