Subscribe now

Curie by Sarah Dry, Haus Publishing, London, £8.99, ISBN 1904341292 Reviewed by Roy Herbert

CURIEis, of course, Marie Curie, who has been the subject of many a biography. This is a straightforward and pleasantly written addition to the mountain of literature about this incredibly industrious woman, who discovered the radioactive – Curie invented the term – elements radium and polonium. She became world-famous and was twice winner of a Nobel prize.

The dangers of radioactivity were little understood at the time, and there was a fashion for radioactive cosmetics, hair tonics and even knitting wool after its discovery. Curie died in 1934,…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop