The Colours of Life: An Introduction to the Chemistry of Porphyrins and Related Compounds - Tapa blanda

This is a handy little book for all whose interests in biology or materials might bring them into contact with porphyrin molecules and related chemical species. ... the book is readable for chemists from undergraduate level up. It contains a wealth of detail on prophyrin chemistry and is highly recommended. (Chemistry in Britain, October)

The chemistry along the way is elaborate, engaging and presented with unusual insight. (Thomas A. Moore, Arizona State University, Nature, Vol. 389, October 997)

The chemistry along the way is elaborate, enagaging and presented with unusual insight. (Thomas A. Moore, Arizona State University,)

Milgrom's book is written in an easy, accessible style, drawing on his wide experience of writing for the popular press. As such it is very readable and would be a worthwhile addition to many bookshelves. The scientific treatment is broad. The book is well presented and liberally illustrated by clear diagrams ... The colours of life has much to offer the reader who will enjoy Milgrom's clear enthusiasm for his subject. (Duncan Bruce, University of Exeter, Chemistry & Industry, December 1997)

What other book would cover subjects as diverse as Kant-Laplace theory, anti-aromaticity and the Peirls transition (Nature)

'It may be just once in a blue moon that a good book about colours comes along, but The Colours of Life by Lionel Milgrom does the trick...Porphyrins are not only of interest for their roles in the natural world...This is a truly fascinating class of molecules. While reading about them you can learn a lot about chemistry and biochemistry.' (New Scientist)

'...it will...be most useful to teachers and lecturers wanting an overview of the field. The coverage is wide-ranging...' (Simon Cotton, Education in Chemistry)

Why are leaves green and blood red? The answer lies with one family of pigments, the porphyrins and their relatives. These pigments are also responsible for the fundamental energetic processes that make life as we know it possible. The properties of these colourful molecules are now being investigated for use in a wide range of applications, from cancer therapy to microelectronics. The Colours of Life is intended to be an introduction to the porphyrins and their role in life.