Your Expert Guide

From a top expert in the world of science comes this definitive guide to the Periodic Table, published in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry.

In Your Expert Guide: The Periodic Table, discover the origins and genius of the Periodic Table: how the idea came about, what each symbol means and how it underpins our understanding of matter, materials and the study of chemistry. Explore the elements at work in our world and get a clear picture of the Periodic Table's role in explaining the building blocks of the Universe.

Written by Dr Kit Chapman, award-winning science journalist, academic at Falmouth University and global science communicator. Published in partnership with The Royal Society of Chemistry, the internationally renowned nonprofit organisation with the same mission since 1841: to advance excellence in the chemical sciences. With lovely artwork by Dao Linh, see the elements come alive for curious readers aged 8+.

Books in the Your Expert Guide series:

With the Royal Society of Chemistry: The Periodic Table and Chemistry for Young Scientists

With the Royal Society of Biology: The Human Body and Biology for Young Scientists

With the Institute of Physics: The Universe for Kids and Physics for Young Scientists

About the Author

Dr Kit Chapman is an award-winning science journalist and academic at Falmouth University. Formerly an editor for Chemistry World, Kit's by-line can be seen in Nature, New Scientist, The Daily Telegraph, Chemist+Druggist and BBC Science Focus among others. Kit appears regularly on radio, TV and podcasts, and has given talks to thousands of students around the world on science, writing and history. Born in the UK, Kit holds a masters degree in pharmacy from the University of Bradford and a PhD in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Sunderland. Kit's first book, Superheavy: Making and Breaking the Periodic Table, was published in 2019 and his second book, Racing Green: How Motorsport Science Can Save The World, was published in 2022.