Title:	Astrochemistry: From Astronomy to Astrobiology
	Author:	Andrew Shaw
	Reviewed by:	Mark Collings

The author notes in the preface that the book grew from an undergraduate lecture course. This is evident in its style and content. The text has a conversational manner, and does not place a heavy emphasis on numerical analysis for explanations, which makes for fairly easy reading. The layout of its chapters on astrochemistry in the first half of the book is familiar. As might be expected from the subtitle, astrobiology is a theme running throughout the text which provides a focus for its examples and discussions. The latter chapters venture into solar system and planetary chemistry, with sections on recent missions to Mars and Titan, and also prebiotic chemistry. These extra dimensions to the book also distinguish it from other astrochemistry texts.

The book is illustrated with ample figures, diagrams and photographs, a small selection of which are in colour. Unfortunately, the quality of reproduction for some of the black and white figures diminishes their impact. They are, however, available electronically with various other material on a website accompanying the book. On the whole, it gives an up-to-date account of astrochemistry, although in fast moving areas of research, such as extrasolar planets, there have inevitably been significant advances since the book was published in 2006.

This is a sound and comprehensive guide to astrochemistry suitable for students at the undergraduate level. Readers searching for more advanced material may require additional sources. However, this remains a very useful introduction to the field of astrochemistry.


Reviewed by:    Mark Collings
                          School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
                          Heriot-Watt University