Many people are convinced that, among other courses taught in schools, chemistry is a difficult and complex subject. This view is often arrived at without justification. Setting out to introduce chemistry concepts and demystify chemistry, this book shows how it is a major part of our everyday lives. It introduces the readers into the wonderful world of atoms and molecules and chemical reactions whilst showing that chemistry is centrally important but also an emerging science and defines what the practising chemist does. The book also examines curiosity, creativity, fascination, poetry, beauty, and ethics in science.


Originally published in Italian, ‘Chimica – leggere e scrivere il libro della Natura’ was among the finalists of the 2013 Italian Award for popularization of science. The English translation has been sensitively delivered to explain concepts in simple language and emphasize the positive role that chemistry can play to shape our future.

Translated by: Nick Serpone