Symphony in C: Carbon and the Evolution of (Almost) Everything

by Robert M. Hazen

Overview

A Science News Favorite Book of 2019

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393609448
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	06/11/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	74,967
File size:	31 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Robert M. Hazen is executive director of the Deep Carbon Observatory based at the Carnegie Institution’s Geophysical Laboratory and Clarence Robinson Professor of Earth Sciences at George Mason University. He lives in Bethesda, Maryland.

Editorial Reviews

★ 06/01/2019

In this sweeping history, Hazen (earth sciences, George Mason Univ.; The Story of Earth) presents the findings, tuned for a popular audience, of the Deep Carbon Observatory's decade-long investigations into the king of elements. Hazen leads the international, multidisciplinary endeavor, whose mission is to understand carbon at the planetary scale, "4.5 billion years of Earth history; crust to core, at scales from nano to global." The story of C, in Hazen's telling, is a complete science class, challenging yet accessible. Readers learn how carbon came to be the chemical basis of life along with why it can be as hard as diamond and as soft as graphite and how it's been an energy blessing, and now, a climate menace. The author also shows how earth's geosphere and biosphere coevolved, enlivening the narrative with awe-inspiring discoveries engaging readers with humor and personality. The history and process of science, a key theme, is smartly supported by its symphonic structure—its "movements," titled Earth, Air, Fire, and Water in a nod to the ancients, while its "soloists" are Hazen's many research collaborators whom he celebrates with mini-profiles. VERDICT In composition and expression, this carbon symphony is of the highest order, as entertaining as it is enlightening. [See Prepub Alert, 10/22/18.]—Robert Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont.

Library Journal

"This book is an incredibly rich story of carbon and its role in of life. Hazen has outdone himself in delivering an engaging, edifying, great read. If you don’t know why carbon is important in your life, or even if you think you do, you should put down whatever you’re reading and get this book."

Paul G. Falkowski

"Hazen’s virtuoso performance captures the wonder of the sixth element—from volcanic gases to al dente pasta to life’s very beginnings—while telling the wonderful stories about the people behind the discoveries."

Terry Plank

"A valuable and welcome explanation of why we would do well to pay more attention to the sixth element—and of how much more remains to be discovered about its planetary role through time."

Nature - Ted Nield

"A valuable and welcome explanation of why we would do well to pay more attention to the sixth element—and of how much more remains to be discovered about its planetary role through time."

Nature

"Hazen’s enthusiasm, the string of shareable facts presented, and the introduction of so many interesting scientists… make this book such a fascinating read.… Hazen brings a distinct and intentionally personal perspective to this topic.… Throughout Symphony in C, science is presented as a living and very human endeavor."

Science - Nicola Pohl

"From the Big Bang to coal, carbohydrates, and ultra-strong high-tech nanofibers, Robert M. Hazen provides an illuminating and enjoyable guide to the remarkable odyssey of carbon, the element of life. Enjoy the trip!"

Andrew Knoll

"Hazen sets the record straight in this thoughtful love letter to [carbon]."

Discover - Gemma Tarlach

"Probing.… Science that burrows into issues of profound interest."

Booklist

"Covering topics from carbon’s ancient origins to the threats that carbon compounds pose to our future climate, Hazen’s book is a fascinating read. Symphony in C chronicles cutting-edge science that’s helping researchers make better sense of the carbon-rich world around us."

Science News

"C is the element carbon. C is a musical note. Scientist-musician Hazen uses the element and the note to compose a symphonic masterpiece that reveals how the primitive life that began on our planet four billion years ago has evolved into Darwin’s ‘endless forms most beautiful.’"

David W. Deamer

"A valuable and welcome explanation of why we would do well to pay more attention to the sixth element—and of how much more remains to be discovered about its planetary role through time."

Nature Lib