Carbon: One Atom’s Odyssey

An illustrated history of a single atom of carbon, tracing its many manifestations from the Big Bang to the present.

A richly illustrated history of a single atom of carbon, tracing its many manifestations from the Big Bang to the present.

Carbon- One Atom’s Odyssey is an illustrated adaptation of ‘Carbon,’ a short story from Italian chemist, writer, and Auschwitz survivor Primo Levi. It traces the life story and many molecular manifestations of a single atom of this life-essential element.

You’ll follow one atom from its spectacular birth 14 billion years ago through its harrowing journey on planet earth where it has become a basic building block of nearly 10 million known compounds in living things. You’ll learn that carbon-

. Is breathed in by the Peregrine Falcon

. Helps trees grow strong and tall

. Lets a moth’s eye make sense of light

. Is found in your pencil as well as in your liver

. And even helps convert grapes into wine

In this wondrous graphic journey, clever narrative and detailed art help bring to life the natural world and teach you a thing or two about how it was created. For anyone with a general interest in chemistry, physics, and the science of the universe, this beautiful book will both educate and inspire. If you’re ready for a STEAM adventure, then let the journey begin!