Born of the age of alchemy and harbouring the kind of mysterious influence that alchemists sought, phosphorus brought wealth to a few but misery to many. For over 300 years, phosphorus maimed, killed, polluted and burned - sometimes on a terrifying scale. Yet, such were its perceived benefits that doctors prescribed it, every home contained it and whole industries were dedicated to its manufacture

'This is popular science at its best, a great subject, unfolded with the skill of the storyteller' - Lisa Jardine, Sunday Times

'An excellent and convincing read' - Financial Times

'This well-written book is an enlightening examination of the very character of all chemicals' - Sunday Telegraph

'John Emsley's luminous little book leaves a glow of warmth' - Tim Radford, Guardian