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:	9780393358629
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	10/13/2020
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	195,166
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.90(d)

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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