Full of fascinating tidbits and cute illustrations, this is a rollicking introduction to the individual elements and thier physics. While well-written and fairly clear, the visual material leaves something to be desired; charts are insufficiently labeled and some more diagrams would have been nice. Also, for some reason, the actinides don't have thier own introductory page, like all the other groups do explaining the properties and principles governing the constituent elements and it should be noted that elements 99 (Einsteinium) and higher are not covered as fully as the others.

With many kind thanks to Firefly Books who are responsible for this free review copy I have been enjoying. ( )

.
.
Introduction : Seeking Patterns
1. Constructing The Table
2. Mendeleev And The Modern Table
3. The Periodic Table
4. Atomic Physics
5. The Quantum Atom
6. Trends And Patterns
7. Trends Table
8. Hydrogen
9. Helium
10. Alkali Metals
11. Alkaline Earth Metals
12. Transition Metals
13. Post-Transition Metals
14. Metalloids
15. Non-Metals
16. Halogens
17. Noble Gases
18. Lanthanides
19. Atom Bomb
20. Atom Smashers
21. Actinides
22. Hall Of Fame
23. Future Elements
Index
Acknowledgments ( )