Symphony in C

Description

An earth scientist reveals the dynamic biography of the most resonant—and most necessary—chemical element on Earth. Carbon. It’s in the fibers in your hair, the timbers in your walls, the food that you eat, and the air that you breathe. It’s worth billions of dollars as a luxury and half a trillion as a necessity, but there are still mysteries about the element that can be both diamond and coal. Where does it come from, what does it do, and why, above all, does life need it? With poetic storytelling, Robert M. Hazen leads us on a global journey through the origin and evolution of life’s most essential and ubiquitous element.

Description

"Carbon is everywhere: in the paper of this book and the blood of our bodies. It's with us from beginning to end, present in our baby clothes and coffin alike. We live on a carbon planet, and we are carbon life. No other element is so central to our well-being; yet, when missing or misaligned, carbon atoms can also bring about disease and even death. At once ubiquitous and mysterious, carbon holds the answers to some of humanity's biggest questions. Where did Earth come from? What will ultimately become of it--and of us? With poetic storytelling, earth scientist Robert M. Hazen explores the universe to discover the past, present, and future of life's most essential element." --Amazon.com.

Subjects

Other Editions

• Symphony in C: Carbon and the Evolution of EverythingHardcoverW. W. Norton & Company2019-06-11
• Symphony in CNorton & Company, Incorporated, W. W.2019-01-01
• Symphony in CNorton & Company, Incorporated, W. W.2020-01-01
• Symphony in CAudio CDHighbridge Audio and Blackstone Publishing2021-03-01