Oxygen: The Molecule That Made the World

Challenges what you thought you knew and provides true insight and a new thoughtful view of "how things actually work"

The book is split in two parts, the first dealing more with the evolution of the atmosphere composition and its effects on the biosphere, the second with aging and death of organisms. To be honest I liked the first part more than the second, but this biased point of view is solely due to the interest I have towards the story of life on Earth. The second section is interesting nonetheless, and conveys really fascinating and new insights into the workings of Nature. Oxygen is central in our lives and in the story of life on Earth more than you think. One recommendation, while reading: keep int account that some sections need specific knowledge of chemistry and biology. The only think I can say is, read it slowly, because it's packed with interesting stuff and it's worth the time that you spend.

but this book gave me so much more! It made me understand life better than I could ever imagine. By studying biochemisty by myself as well as the author Nick Lane, I taught I knew quite a bit about the topic but Nick Lane explained it in such a thrilling and comprehensive way that I felt in love again with my study subject. In the book is explained why we age, and how we can slow down this process and even more it gives so much answeres to life generally and also answeres the question: "What came first? Egg or Hen?" What more can you expect of a book? Great book, great author!!!

Nick Lane先生の本は" The vital question"に続いて２冊目。前回の圧倒的に斬新で説得力ある仮説と血沸き肉躍る文章にすっかり心奪われて２冊目に挑戦した。この本も「酸素」という元素について、古生物学、地質学、物理学、化学、生物学から過去の偉大な科学者の評伝も含めて殆どあらゆる角度から見事な物語を展開している。本を読むということの楽しさを十二分に感じさせてくれる本である。他の著作も読んでみたい。

Such an interesting read. I would say you need some biology knowledge to understand the processes.