Principles of Chemistry

Of late, I have been waxing sentimental with regard to learning (or re-calling) long-forgotten subjects: So, I re-visited the subject of chemistry. Two years of high school chemistry plus three semesters of college chemistry provided the background for my continued interest. I plodded through McQuarries textbooks of General Chemistry and Quantum Chemistry. Both suited for their respective jobs. Then, I stumbled upon Munowitz. Scattered reviews piqued my curiosity. I decided to take a chance and spend a few dollars for a copy and find out for myself if there were justification enough for the financial outlay. Well, enough of the background. My answer is a resounding Yes ! Life and soul has been restored to Chemistry. The book is beautifully written and artistically illustrated. Is this a viable first choice for your college course ? Probably not. This book is not about rote memorization or plugging in numbers to a given equation. This book is not about learning just enough material to pass your required course, then forgetting everything after the test. You do not thumb backwards through the pages looking for formulas to fit your problem sets. Now, if you desire to understand chemistry and appreciate taking your time to digest this book, then you will be greatly rewarded and better off for the investment in time and effort. Study it, read it, enjoy it. Munowitz will be part of your continuing effort to keep Chemistry alive in your soul. This book has character. It occupies a permanent place on my bookshelf. Finally, a few words from the review in Journal of Chemical Education, vol. 77, Issue 5, p.563: "For students with a good background in science and mathematics who are motivated to learn, this book is a rich source of insight into the nature of chemistry. I hope that this book finds its niche in chemical education because it would be sad to have so wonderful a gift to the community go unappreciated and unused."

If you teach chemistry at the undergraduate level, get hold of a copy of this book. Munowitz explains chemical principles in a straightforward manner that will appeal to anyone putting together lectures for first or second year students. A very refreshing way of writing; yes, it is a textbook but it feels like reading a novel on chemistry.... if such a thing is possible. Kudos to the author!

This was my required text book for honors chem, and I enjoyed it, but then again I actually enjoy chemistry. The book definitely expects more of you then other text books. It doesn't just spew dry language and worthless examples. So for a class with students not interested in chemistry, its a terrible book. For those willing to put the effort in and who enjoy chemistry there is no better textbook available.

As a chemistry tutor and teacher, I have read many chemistry textbooks, the majority following the same formula: concentrate on the quantitative, gloss over the qualitative, and use dry, frustrating language. These traditional chemistry textbooks do a great job of encouraging students to choose another subject. And I don't blame students for hating chemistry, and science in general, after trying to read and understand these dreadful books. Munowitz's text is different. The writing is well-crafted and poetic. The ideas are explained simply using many examples and analogies. And the descriptions, concepts and illustrations appeal to a human audience, rather than robots. I can only thank Michael Munowitz for creating the most beautiful chemistry text I have read--what a great service Munowitz has done for science and chemistry. If more educators and writers share his passion for knowledge, unity, simplicity, beauty and science, then more students will choose to study science.

Excellent read. 10/10 would recommend as a great way to learn more about chemistry, physics and generally how to think about and perceive the world around us.

You must be a weight lifter to hold this tome. Too cumbersome and the text is not at all clear. His book "Knowing" was much better.There are several much better and more lucid chemistry texts. If you need a door stop or a weight for your car trunk to prevent fishtailing this book is for you, if you want to learn chemistry basics look elsewhere.

Amazing. This will make you fall in love with chemistry

I think it is great for aging skin-anti-wrinkle on my face and neck. Used it for about 3 years and dermatology office workers liked it also.