These books are all easy to read and do not require any knowledge in science (perhaps except Selinger’s Chemistry in the marketplace). They are not directly linked to molecular gastronomy or food chemistry, although some of course also include examples from the kitchen. However, people who find molecular gastronomy interesting will most likely also enjoy these books!
- John Emsley: Molecules at an Exhibition – The science of everyday life (250 p) ISBN: 0192862065
- John Emsley: The Consumer’s Good Chemical Guide: A Jargon-Free Guide to the Chemicals of Everyday Life (347 p) ISBN: 0716745054
- John Emsley: Vanity, Vitality, and Virility: The Science behind the Products You Love to Buy (2004, 272p) ISBN: 0192805096
- Cathy Cobb, Monty L. Fetterolf: The Joy of Chemistry: The Amazing Science of Familiar Things (2005, 393p) ISBN: 1591022312
- Robert L. Wolke: What Einstein told his barber (264 p) ISBN: 0440508797
- Ben Selinger: Why the watermelon won’t ripen in your armpit (204 p) ISBN: 1865082899
- Ben Selinger: Chemistry in the marketplace (588 p) ASIN: 1865082554 (out of print)
- Kerry K. Karukstis og Gerald R. Van Hecke: Chemistry Connections: The Chemical Basis of Everyday Phenomena ISBN: 0124008607
- Joe Schwarcz: Radar, Hula Hoops and Playful Pigs: 67 Digestible Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life (2001, 304p) ISBN: 071674600X
- Joe Schwarcz: The Genie in the Bottle : 64 All New Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life (2001, 311p) ISBN: 0716746018
- Joe Schwarcz: That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles: 62 All-New Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life (2002, 275p) ISBN: 1550225200
- Joe Schwarcz: Dr. Joe and What You Didn’t Know: 177 Fascinating Questions About the Chemistry of Everyday Life (2003, 272p) ISBN: 1550225774
- Joe Schwarcz: The Fly in the Ointment: 70 Fascinating Commentaries on the Science of Everyday Life (2004, 272p) ISBN: 1550226215
- New Scientist: Does Anything Eat Wasps? 101 Other Unsettling, Witty Answers to Questions You Never Thought You Wantet to Ask (224p, 2006) ISBN: 0743297261