The Chemically Controlled Cosmos

'There is no doubt that in The Chemically Controlled Cosmos Hartquist and Williams have produced an extremely valuable synthesis of our present knowledge of the important chemical processes in space.' New Scientist 'In this excellent and remarkable book, compressing a dozen learned textbooks into 160 ebullient pages, Hartquist and Williams endeavour to tell how the chemistry and physics of space are intimately entwined, one dictating the other. To achieve this, some fundamental chemistry and physics is outlined in chapters one to three, without using any mathematics. Readers who are unversed in physical science may fail to understand a great deal of this, but persevere, for you may still acquire insight into the way in which chemistry controls the cosmos.' Chemistry in Britain

' ... a welcome addition to the bookshelves ... You will need patience and concentration because there is so much detail packed into its 160 pages. But if you really want to understand what is out there and why, it's worth it.' Astronomy Now

' ... a clear nonmathematical description of how the chemisty of simple molecules acts to regulate a number of important astro-environmental variables ... if astrochemistry has been the Cinderella of astronomy in recent years, this book is the ticket to the ball.' Nick Petford, THES ' ... students of chemistry and cosmochemistry might enjoy this pleasantly produced, introductory book.' Irish Astronomical Journal

' The text is singularly easy to read, and ample use is made of helpful analogies that facilitate the understanding of difficult concepts ... This is an excellent book, and, at just under 20 in hardback, it is good value for money.' David Flower, Webb Society Reviews

Preface; 1. A brief history; 2. Setting the astronomical scene; 3. The tools of the trade; 4. Chemistry after the Big Bang; 5. Interstellar clouds - the birth places of stars; 6. Star formation; 7. The solar system at birth; 8. Stellar winds and outflows; 9. Astronomical masers near bright stars; 10. Supernovae: fairly big bang; 11. Active galaxies; 12. Epilogue; Index.