Review by Choice Review
Shaw (Univ. of Exeter, UK) examines the changes in chemistry of inanimate and animate matter as the universe progressed from the big bang to the evolution of life. However, there are some unfortunate problems with the book; e.g., four bases--G, A, T, and C--are introduced in a discussion of DNA and RNA, and then the base uracil (symbol: "U") is suddenly inserted into the discussion without explanation, adding possible confusion for readers who will have difficulty finding the explanation in the book. Other small errors, such as the mixing up of purines and pyrimidines and some typographical errors, further distract from the book's excellent account and call for a careful revision. Despite such possible problems, the book expands considerably on the chemical aspects of astrobiology, producing a work that augments the excellent references published on the subject to date. The book is recommended for anyone interested in the universe, but it will be far more meaningful if readers have had at least a year of chemistry, some introduction to calculus, and a smattering of thermodynamics, kinetics, and physics. Excellent pictures, color plates, and diagrams, together with chapter-end problems. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals; two-year technical program students. P. R. Douville emeritus, Central Connecticut State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
