Descriptive Inorganic, Coordination, and Solid State Chemistry

This class-tested text introduces the basics of coordination, solid state, and descriptive main-group chemistry in a uniquely accessible manner, featuring a "less is better than more" approach. The approach offers instructors the opportunity to build upon and present concepts and applications that they find particularly important and fascinating. Consistent with the philosophy that less is better than more, this book does not contain traditional chapters reviewing or expanding on atomic and molecular structure and other topics previously and adequately developed in most introductory courses. As a result, the book moves directly into the presentation of topics central to inorganic chemistry. Written for students, with a conversational prose that is enjoyable and easy to understand, this book presents not only the basic theories and methods of inorganic chemistry (in three self-standing sections), but also a great deal of the history and the applications of the discipline. The author's presentation does not assume prerequisites of organic or physical chemistry.

Dr. Glen E. Rodgers is a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Educated at Tufts University (BS, 1966) and Cornell University (PhD, 1971), he taught for five years at Muskingum College in Ohio before moving to Allegheny where he taught from 1975 to 2005. He taught introductory chemistry on several levels, chemistry for nurses, chemistry for non-science majors, a "First Seminar" entitled "The Making of the Atomic Bomb: More Bang for Your Buck", a "Sophomore Seminar" entitled "Communicating Chemistry," inorganic chemistry (on both the sophomore and advanced undergraduate levels), and numerous interdisciplinary courses with colleagues in history, education, English, philosophy, psychology, and economics. He has received a variety of teaching honors including the 1993 Julian Ross Award, presented by Allegheny College "for singular accomplishments and contributions through excellence in teaching." He and his wife have led or co-led several Allegheny travel seminars to places such as England, Scotland, Paris, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Poland and Russia. Now a full time writer, his current and future projects include a book with the working title "Traveling with the Atom." He lives with his wife Kathleen in southern New Hampshire. They are the parents of three daughters, Jennifer, Emily, and Rebecca.