The Disappearing Spoon

And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

By: Sam Kean

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

“The Disappearing Spoon is my favorite kind of science journalism: it reveals a hidden universe in the form of a thrilling tale.” (BoingBoing)

“Arthur C. Clarke once noted that truly advanced science cannot be distinguished from magic. Kean succeeds in giving us the cold hard facts, both human and chemical, behind the astounding phenomena without sacrificing any of the wonder — a trait vital to any science writer worth his NaCl." (Entertainment Weekly)

Science Magazine reporter Sam Kean reveals the periodic table as it’s never been seen before. Not only is it one of man's crowning scientific achievements, it's also a treasure trove of stories of passion, adventure, betrayal, and obsession. The infectious tales and astounding details in The Disappearing Spoon follow carbon, neon, silicon, and gold as they play out their parts in human history, finance, mythology, war, the arts, poison, and the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them.

We learn that Marie Curie used to provoke jealousy in colleagues' wives when she'd invite them into closets to see her glow-in-the-dark experiments. And that Lewis and Clark swallowed mercury capsules across the country; their campsites are still detectable by the poison in the ground. Why did Gandhi hate iodine? Why did the Japanese kill Godzilla with missiles made of cadmium? And why did tellurium lead to the most bizarre gold rush in history? From the Big Bang to the end of time, it's all in The Disappearing Spoon.

©2010 Sam Kean (P)2010 Tantor

Entertaining

Great story. Well read. Narrator kept it interesting. Could not stop listening. Chemical history fascinating.

The Periodic Table peppered with ...

... The rest of the story.

I was reluctant to purchase this book, even considering the fantastic Daily Deal price, since Chemistry was one of my least favorite classes in high school. I mean, seriously, having to memorize a bunch of oddly coded boxes in a table, let alone understand them! Still the sample audio piqued my interest not so much for the arcane description of an element but rather the entertaining anecdote that came along with it.

I cannot say that I have remembered much in terms of the chemistry or the evolution of the Periodic Table. However, the various stories of how each element was discovered and uncovered, I found I rather enjoyed the book. Furthermore, I intend to re-listen to this book in expectation of gaining a better appreciation of the intricacies of the subject.

Kudos to Sam Kean for writing a scientific book in such an entertaining manner and props to Sean Runnette for his narration performance.

Note: This would be a perfect candidate for inclusion in The Teaching Company's Great Courses catalogue.

Good but...

I did like this book. There’s a lot of interesting information that was presented well but may not work well as an audiobook for people that don’t have an inclination for science. It’s difficult to usefully retain a lot of the information presented.

Great book about SCIENCE...

This is a great book about SCIENCE in general, in particular, how the periodic table is connected with virtually all branches of science, from relativity to quarks and bosons.. By adding anecdotes and personal histories of people making discoveries, and relating the discoveries to the politics and culture of the day, Kean brings to life and makes what could otherwise be very technical and dry material highly interesting, especially for the novice. This book is 5-Star worthy imo, narrated by the excellent Sean Runnette.

Thoroughly enjoyable, wish I read it in highschool as it has reinvigorated my curiosity in chemistry

You don’t need to be an engineer or scientist to enjoy this, so many stories and facts I never knew of, very well written and narrated.

Good broadbased science history

What did you love best about The Disappearing Spoon?

I liked the wide range of history, from early knowledge of basic elements to the race for the discovery of the more difficult and unstable ones.

Superb Introduction to Chemistry & Physics!

If this presentation of material had been offered as a high school or freshman college class, my career may have taken a different path! Fascinating stories well delivered and all of them written with wit and humor. I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation! (Note: I highly recommend printing a copy of the periodic chart to keep nearby for reference while listening. It’s not absolutely necessary, but it would add a good visual to what the author is covering. In fact, I may just listen to the whole thing again now with my handy chart on the car seat next to me!).

Amazing book meh recording.

the books a great writing on the relationships of the elements with great stories as examples. this recording however has weird jumps in multiple spots though

Intriguing and engaging history of science!

This was a fascinating stroll through the history of modern science, using the map of the periodic table and brilliant stories! So glad I used a credit on this gem!

great!!!

This book was entertainingly witty while being humorous and factually enlightening. Sean was an engaging reader.