Pass notes

At first sight Michael Munowitz’s Principles of Chemistry looks heavy and
dull. But don’t be put off by first appearances. Each chapter is mostly
narrative, concepts are explained in a friendly, lucid style—and, yes,
there are clear illustrations. Hard work is relegated to grey pages at the end
of each chapter, where material is reviewed, examples given and problems
provided. Published by W. W. Norton, £29.95, ISBN 0393972887.