The Periodic Table (Penguin Modern Classics)

I came to this book expecting a more traditional nonfiction science book based on various elements that compose the periodic table. It was after all voted as the best science book ever in 2006 by the respected Royal Institution of Great Britain. In this respect I have to admit I was rather disappointed. The book comprises a series of autobiographical stories from Levi’s life. Each of these stories are inspired in some way by an element from the table. Nickel, for instance, tells the story of the chemical laboratories of a mine, Arsenic (a personal favourite) examines the analysis of a sugar sample (perhaps laced with arsenic) and silver the story of faulty photographic plates. While the majority of these stories are autobiographical in nature several, such as those of mercury and lead, are fictional. While some of the links to the periodic table are clear and front-centre others are more subtle. It is for this reason I was disappointed with the book as a science book in the strictest of definitions. That said, though I expected something entirely different the book makes for a compelling, thoughtful and interesting read which gives an intimate insight into Levi’s life, identity and experiences, especially that of being a Jew living under Fascist rule during the war and its aftermath. The quality of the work is astounding and the stories are each incredibly moving in their own way. I don’t know whether I can recommend this as a science book in the manner of the Royal Institution but I can wholeheartedly recommend it as the compelling collection of autobiographical stories with a scientific theme it is. This book really does give you a lot to think about and is one that I think has the potential to have a profound emotional impact.

Levi is a slow burning reader, much like many of the compounds and elements he describes in his short novel. His series of vignettes about life before, during and after the Holocaust of WW2 is written very beautifully, with a deep sense of nostalgia and longing (though longing for what, I can never decide). Levi is an incredibly talented chemist and writer, and I describe him as a chemist first and foremost because his role as a chemist is much more important to me in the novel than his role as the writer. In the same way that Bazarov in Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons" inspects and analyses the human condition through his role as a doctor, so too does Levi inspect humanity (or the lack of it) as a chemist. It's amazingly beautiful and descriptive, sometimes as realistic and detailed as an oil painting. My only gripes is that the occasional vignette is almost too slow and boring, perhaps like a photograph that aged badly and has become muddy and unclear. Other than that, the novel as a whole is spectacular and deserves a read.

Many may find that the first several pages weed those that will read from those who will not. And whilst the craft of writing well comes with patience and time, I find that Primo leaves you wondering about what is also not on the page... the voices now silent, no longer even echos of recollection. Here are some of my favourites: In the brief instants of the flight of the instinct of self-preservation made us take a leap backward. Emilioi said, "I thought it would make more noise." "and nobody knows why anymore" "It seemed to me that I had won a small but decisive battle against the darkness, the emptiness, and the hostile years that lay ahead."

As many people have previously noted, this is a wonderful book. As a chemist, it showed me the way things were in the days before I was born, but Levi's gift is to join his passion for chemistry with the experiences - good and bad - of his life. By doing so I feel that he makes being a chemist something entirely human. Chemists like me, and Primo have often felt as though they they don't fit into the rest of the world, and in a magical way, this book explains what it is like. As others have remarked, the best book about chemistry (and life) I ever read.

All good. Really nice new book. If you want to know about the Holocaust from a Periodic Table point of view, then this is the very best.

Using the elements in the Periodic Table Levi tells us his life story. Beginning with his fascinating relatives both alive and dead then describes his enthusiasm to learn about chemistry and where it leads him. Beautifully written.

The sane, rational, yet entirely evocative manner in which Primo Levi writes, combined with the deep horror (neither tiptoed around nor dwelt upon) of some of the subject matter, and the incredibly pleasing device of basing each tale-cum-anecdote on an element, makes this just about the most satisfying book I've ever read. I read it after having been pointed to it as an example of an unusual writing technique - enough to put anyone off - but it's so easy to sink into. It leaves you feeling more connected to human experience, not to mention considerably more knowledgeable about extracting trace metals.

I bought this as a gift for my other half, he loves it and says it's brilliant. I have no idea what it's about so I can't really review it, sorry. The only thing I can say is that it gave me some peace as he was made up with it and started reading it straight away x

ottimo servizio sia per prezzo che per spedizione

Got it for a class, didn't read the whole book but very interesting

Note: This review is for the hardcover edition (ISBN: 9781857152180) About the Book: A witty, humane and life-affirming book. I had picked it up as many websites had extolled it as the best science book ever, based on a poll conducted in 2006 ([...]). Anyways, I guess I had started this book with totally different expectations. After all, it had beaten Charles Darwin's magnum opus, and with a title like this, the book should spit out serious top-notch chemistry trivia, right? Well, time to dampen those expectations a bit. So, I found it really fast that this is not a pop-sci book, no no.... This is basically a science-themed autobiography and memoir based on experiences of author during and after the Facist regime of Italy, where he was captured by Germans (his memoir on experiences in concentration camp is titled 'If this is a man'). As ignorant as I am, I got to know a great deal about Mussolini's regime and Fascism through this book, which was a plus. The 21 chapters of this book are each organised around an element, which features in the chapter itself. The writing is pretty smooth, not pretentious at all. What I really liked about the book was its matter-of-fact attitude, and the personality of the author. I mean, Primo Levi is one hell of a character!! He is hopeful, romantic, self-deprecating, resourceful, humorous, nerdy... Man, he would make such a wonderful dinner companion. I am not sure whether this is the all-time best Science book or not, but this is definitely a gem of a book. Glad to know such a person walked on this planet. About the Edition: The Hardcover I bought is from Everyman's Library, which is a bit pricier than the paperback version. But it is very much worth the modest increase, considering this is a classic that you may very well revisit. The binding is just lovely.

The Periodic Table is a remarkable analysis of units of living, making a living and re-living. It is a series of essays, each regarding a specific element in the periodic table which is a springboard for digressions on their surprising roles in the world of the author and for metaphors about the relationships that matter to us as human beings. The lyrical quality of Primo Levi's prose comes through its elegant translation and each essay stands well on its own but together they build an observatory of human experience well worth being shared It transports the reader to times and places of significance which are conducive to sober reflection and understanding. A great read.

Book is fine but packaging is a problem obviously. It was supposed to be a gift. Careless!