It’s a Gas, published in 2024, is the third book in the series written by Mark Miodownik – that takes an in-depth (and often humorous) look at the things around us. The earlier titles in this series – Stuff Matters and Liquid Rules – covered, you guessed it, solids and liquids. The final book in the series, as the name suggests, covers all things GAS.
The author does a wonderful job discussing the science of gases as well as the history of their discovery and their uses and importance to us, while including funny anecdotes throughout.
This book does a great job introducing gases to people regardless of science background, and it isn’t too heavy on the science to be frustrating to readers or listeners without a strong background. This book can be a great jumping off point for further reading if someone finds themselves wanting to go deeper into a particular topic.
This book covers several gases you would expect, including Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide, Neon and other Noble gases, Air, and Methane.
I found the chapter on Air especially delightful, as the author went into detail about the development of brass instruments. I’ve already marked this section for my son – a budding trombone and trumpet player – to enjoy.
In the chapter on Hydrogen, Miodownik describes the impact hydrogen had on air travel – both civilian air travel, culminating with the explosion of the Hindenburg, as well as the impact hydrogen-fueled airships had on the German war efforts of World War I.
In the chapter on Carbon Dioxide, the author discusses climate change, the effects of Carbon Dioxide on rising sea levels, and the various efforts to reclaim carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The chapter on Nitrogen was fascinating as it explored the unintended consequences of scientific development meant to help. From the technology that developed to extract nitrogen from the air to use as fertilizer and expand agriculture, we have ended up with massive amounts of runoff and water contamination.
This book is a great overview of the many gases that impact our lives. A well-balanced mix of science, history and humor make this a wonderful experience overall – and as the narrator, Daniel Weyman, is delightful, this is one book I would recommend as an audiobook.
Check out my 2025 Reading Plan!
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