Using the cosmos as a backdrop, Rodney Cotterill delivers a fascinating journey of Nature's materials, from the atom to the living organism. This is a beautifully illustrated, expanded account of the highly praised Cambridge Guide to the Material World. The author seamlessly blends the physics, chemistry and biology of Nature, portraying matter with all its elegance and flaws. Although the book is divided into material types, the author connects concepts and pinpoints commonalities between the inorganic and organic domains. It challenges the reader to question our structured view of the world and whether this limits our scientific endeavour, aptly demonstrated by the new chapter devoted exclusively to the mind. Through the breadth of topics and engaging prose, this book will act as a superb introduction to material science for students and those intrigued by the material world we live in.

Winner of the Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2009

'Will it not soon be impossible for one person to grasp the breadth of the topics we call science? Not yet. After several delightful hours with Rodney Cotterill's The Material World, I can confirm that at least one polymath survives.'

Peter Goodhew Source: The Times Educational Supplement

'An instant classic.'

Robert Cahn FRS Source: Contemporary Physics

'This is a grand tour of the sciences. Beautifully written, with a fine poetic turn of phrase, it will be an outstanding source of reference for high school, college and university students, and should find a market among science teachers, science buffs, and young scientists who might be encouraged to range farther afield during their own research careers.'

Graeme O'Neill Source: The Canberra Times

'In undertaking to give an account of matter in all its aspects, from the individual atom to the living organism, Rodney Cotterill has done what very few would dare. This is a book that should be in every university science department, every technological firm and every sixth-form college. Let me commend a magnificent achievement.'

Sir Brian Pippard FRS Source: Interdisciplinary Science Reviews

'The beautifully produced The Material World by Rodney Cotterill should allow teachers and students alike to move away from the narrow traditional education patterns and adopt a broader, more thoughtful approach to science education.'

Sir Tom Blundell FRS Source: New Scientist

'The unity at depth between physics and chemistry, between crystal defects and restriction enzymes, has never been served so well in a popular and visually engaging book.'

Philip Morrison Source: Scientific American

'A godsend to anyone who knows little or no physics, chemistry or biology but would like a picture of the world at the microscopic and atomic levels.'

Carol Rasmussen Source: New York Library Journal