93 pages • 3 hours read
Sam KeanThe Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean, a New York Times bestseller, explores the fascinating history of the atomic elements, detailing their unique properties and the dramatic stories of scientists who discovered them. From the origins of the periodic table to the darker facets of scientific discovery, Kean illuminates the elements' roles in shaping the world and the universe. The book includes accounts of radioactive exposure, chemical warfare, and scientific oversight that caused harm or death.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Sam Kean's The Disappearing Spoon captivates with its engaging exploration of the periodic table, blending science with human stories. Readers appreciate Kean's accessible, witty prose and intriguing anecdotes. However, some find the narrative occasionally disjointed and overly detailed for casual reading. Overall, an enriching read for science enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Disappearing Spoon?
Readers who enjoy popular science narratives with a blend of history and humor, much like Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything or Mary Roach's Stiff, will be captivated by Sam Kean's The Disappearing Spoon. This book is perfect for those who relish quirky anecdotes and insightful tales tied to the periodic table's elements.
RecommendedReading Age
14+yearsLexile Level
1300L