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

“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

For the person who likes science. This book does an excellent job weaving science and world history together in a delightful audiobook. Some very good stories from the race to find new elements to world intrigue and how Colorado played a role in the World Wars. If science were taught like this, we would have many more budding scientists.

great narration makes it digestible

For a non-scientist like me, what makes this book digestible is its terrific narration. Kean does a really good job laying out the history and content of the periodic table, supported by many interesting stories. Towards the end, there is a fascinating chapter on weight and measure.

Elemental For Anyone With An Interest In Science

I had heard about this book on NPR, when they interviewed the author. I truly enjoyed this exploration of the periodic table, and the elements. I wish high school chemistry had been this intersting. Sam Kean explores the history of many of the elements, from their discovery to modern day importance. Very informative and entertaining.

Grand and Fascinating

This was a thoroughly enjoyable listen. The format of the book - with historical anecdotes about each of the elements - makes it easy to listen to in bits and pieces while the skillful writing stitches all the stories together if you prefer to read it straight through. Sean Runnette's narration is excellent.

Brilliant!!!!

This author brought so much intrigue and humor to this topic matter, that I was sad to hear it end. I just wanted him to continue telling me little anecdotal tales about the Elements. It was bright and clever, never boring or dry. You'll be glad you listened to this one, and as I did, get it into the hands of your friends.