Descriptive Inorganic, Coordination, and Solid-State Chemistry

I used this book for a one semester course in which we covered every chapter. The book is divided into 3 sections which can be read in any order, our class started with the descriptive inorganic section; this section of the book covers all the elements, not counting the transition or La/Ac series elements and offers a story behind each element (where, when, how it was discovered, the scientist who discovered it, etc) as well as what the specific element is used for. This section also covers basic trends in the periodic table which gives you a greater appreciation for the periodic table as well as a better understanding of reactions involving certain elements. For me, these 8 chapters were very entertaining as well as informative; it was a genuine page turner (hard to believe, but it really was). The other sections deal with coordination chemistry and solid state chemistry; each of these topics was covered in an easy to understand manner, although not necessarily as interesting as the inorganic section mentioned above. The problems in the back of the book are great and help you understand the material in covered in the chapters. Overall, one of my favorite books I've ever read, highly recommended even if its not a required text in your course!

Currently taking (fall 07) inorganic chemistry and we are using this book. It is divided into three sections ( you can see that from the title) which can be read independently. Very good book so far, easy reading, problems are easy. All you need to read this book is general chemistry, it is the only prereq that the author recomends that you have before you take a class that uses this book.