The best undergraduate book for spectroscopy., 19 Jul 2004
The aim of this book is to explain different methods of spectroscopy, from how they work to how to read the spectra. It goes through IR, H and C NMR, UV and so on. Many consider this to be the best book on spectroscopy and it has earned itself quite a reputation. It's also useful for postgraduates because it's more than just a teaching aid; it has many tables inside outlining where you might find that IR peak for a particular functional group or what the chemical shift of something is. On the other hand, if you want a reference text and that's all then there are probably better books than this. I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 mainly because it lies somewhere between a teaching aid and a reference text and despite it being very useful and worth getting, it excells at neither. I'd recommend it.

The best undergraduate book for spectroscopy., 19 Jul 2004
The aim of this book is to explain different methods of spectroscopy, from how they work to how to read the spectra. It goes through IR, H and C NMR, UV and so on. Many consider this to be the best book on spectroscopy and it has earned itself quite a reputation. It's also useful for postgraduates because it's more than just a teaching aid; it has many tables inside outlining where you might find that IR peak for a particular functional group or what the chemical shift of something is. On the other hand, if you want a reference text and that's all then there are probably better books than this. I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 mainly because it lies somewhere between a teaching aid and a reference text and despite it being very useful and worth getting, it excells at neither. I'd recommend it.

An excellent book, 15 Jun 2007
An asset to undergraduates and even postgraduates who need a refreshing short book on the basic NMR principles. The book is of course good for how NMR is used for ascertaining inorganic processes/stuctures i.e. fluxionality and isomerism. The book is also just as useful to organic chemists.

For a primer, the book covers a lot of good information on the actual physical theory made use of in attaining an NMR spectrum, which is more important than an UG might appreciate, and they should make an effort to understand these things if the are to fully use NMR at the research level.

Content summary: 1) fundementals - does talk about coupling and relaxation mechanisms in good detail 2) structure determination 3) solid state.

The best undergraduate book for spectroscopy., 19 Jul 2004
The aim of this book is to explain different methods of spectroscopy, from how they work to how to read the spectra. It goes through IR, H and C NMR, UV and so on. Many consider this to be the best book on spectroscopy and it has earned itself quite a reputation. It's also useful for postgraduates because it's more than just a teaching aid; it has many tables inside outlining where you might find that IR peak for a particular functional group or what the chemical shift of something is. On the other hand, if you want a reference text and that's all then there are probably better books than this. I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 mainly because it lies somewhere between a teaching aid and a reference text and despite it being very useful and worth getting, it excells at neither. I'd recommend it.

An excellent book, 15 Jun 2007
An asset to undergraduates and even postgraduates who need a refreshing short book on the basic NMR principles. The book is of course good for how NMR is used for ascertaining inorganic processes/stuctures i.e. fluxionality and isomerism. The book is also just as useful to organic chemists.

For a primer, the book covers a lot of good information on the actual physical theory made use of in attaining an NMR spectrum, which is more important than an UG might appreciate, and they should make an effort to understand these things if the are to fully use NMR at the research level.

Content summary: 1) fundementals - does talk about coupling and relaxation mechanisms in good detail 2) structure determination 3) solid state.

Molecular Spectroscopy rules!!!!!, 24 Jan 2001
When a lecturer recommends a book, it usually spends many months gathering dust on my bookshelf and I end up wondering who paid the lecturer to recommend it in the first place. However, this book, I wholeheartedly recommend myself, as a student. It was recommended by my lecturer BUT!! it is easy to read, easy to understand, maybe not easy to remember, but that is due to my lack of functioning memory cells and not the authors skill.

...It looks boring, blue and green on the outside....but it's awesome. Buy it right now, even if you're not studying chemistry, just to impress your mates.

The best undergraduate book for spectroscopy., 19 Jul 2004
The aim of this book is to explain different methods of spectroscopy, from how they work to how to read the spectra. It goes through IR, H and C NMR, UV and so on. Many consider this to be the best book on spectroscopy and it has earned itself quite a reputation. It's also useful for postgraduates because it's more than just a teaching aid; it has many tables inside outlining where you might find that IR peak for a particular functional group or what the chemical shift of something is. On the other hand, if you want a reference text and that's all then there are probably better books than this. I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 mainly because it lies somewhere between a teaching aid and a reference text and despite it being very useful and worth getting, it excells at neither. I'd recommend it.

An excellent book, 15 Jun 2007
An asset to undergraduates and even postgraduates who need a refreshing short book on the basic NMR principles. The book is of course good for how NMR is used for ascertaining inorganic processes/stuctures i.e. fluxionality and isomerism. The book is also just as useful to organic chemists.

For a primer, the book covers a lot of good information on the actual physical theory made use of in attaining an NMR spectrum, which is more important than an UG might appreciate, and they should make an effort to understand these things if the are to fully use NMR at the research level.

Content summary: 1) fundementals - does talk about coupling and relaxation mechanisms in good detail 2) structure determination 3) solid state.

Molecular Spectroscopy rules!!!!!, 24 Jan 2001
When a lecturer recommends a book, it usually spends many months gathering dust on my bookshelf and I end up wondering who paid the lecturer to recommend it in the first place. However, this book, I wholeheartedly recommend myself, as a student. It was recommended by my lecturer BUT!! it is easy to read, easy to understand, maybe not easy to remember, but that is due to my lack of functioning memory cells and not the authors skill.

...It looks boring, blue and green on the outside....but it's awesome. Buy it right now, even if you're not studying chemistry, just to impress your mates.

Overview of Modern Raman, 02 Sep 2005
The book gives a good overview of the modern Raman techniques avaliable. It describes good the pros and cons of Raman, the basic theory behind and some of the possible areas of use.
Can be HIGHLY requmented for EVERYONE working with or about to work with Raman techniques.
- Does NOT have deep Raman theory so this should be sought after elsewhere. Does not have explicit descriptions of the areas covered but gives an EXCELENT overview.

The best undergraduate book for spectroscopy., 19 Jul 2004
The aim of this book is to explain different methods of spectroscopy, from how they work to how to read the spectra. It goes through IR, H and C NMR, UV and so on. Many consider this to be the best book on spectroscopy and it has earned itself quite a reputation. It's also useful for postgraduates because it's more than just a teaching aid; it has many tables inside outlining where you might find that IR peak for a particular functional group or what the chemical shift of something is. On the other hand, if you want a reference text and that's all then there are probably better books than this. I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 mainly because it lies somewhere between a teaching aid and a reference text and despite it being very useful and worth getting, it excells at neither. I'd recommend it.

An excellent book, 15 Jun 2007
An asset to undergraduates and even postgraduates who need a refreshing short book on the basic NMR principles. The book is of course good for how NMR is used for ascertaining inorganic processes/stuctures i.e. fluxionality and isomerism. The book is also just as useful to organic chemists.

For a primer, the book covers a lot of good information on the actual physical theory made use of in attaining an NMR spectrum, which is more important than an UG might appreciate, and they should make an effort to understand these things if the are to fully use NMR at the research level.

Content summary: 1) fundementals - does talk about coupling and relaxation mechanisms in good detail 2) structure determination 3) solid state.

Molecular Spectroscopy rules!!!!!, 24 Jan 2001
When a lecturer recommends a book, it usually spends many months gathering dust on my bookshelf and I end up wondering who paid the lecturer to recommend it in the first place. However, this book, I wholeheartedly recommend myself, as a student. It was recommended by my lecturer BUT!! it is easy to read, easy to understand, maybe not easy to remember, but that is due to my lack of functioning memory cells and not the authors skill.

...It looks boring, blue and green on the outside....but it's awesome. Buy it right now, even if you're not studying chemistry, just to impress your mates.

Overview of Modern Raman, 02 Sep 2005
The book gives a good overview of the modern Raman techniques avaliable. It describes good the pros and cons of Raman, the basic theory behind and some of the possible areas of use.
Can be HIGHLY requmented for EVERYONE working with or about to work with Raman techniques.
- Does NOT have deep Raman theory so this should be sought after elsewhere. Does not have explicit descriptions of the areas covered but gives an EXCELENT overview.

An excellent undergraduate textbook of atomic spectra, 14 Jun 2000
Softley has produced a concise well-written introduction to the field suitable for the undergraduate student and beyond. All the essential elements of a first or second year chemistry course are discussed with a clarity of explanation rare in other books on this subject. Following a brief introduction to the quantum mechanical principles of spectroscopy subsequent chapters deal with the hydrogen atom, alkali metal atoms, before moving on to the helium atom and many electron atoms in logical preogression. Illustrative examples at the end of each chapter allow the student to test his/her progress. This is a book which students of all abilities find accessible and useful and has rapidly become the choice text for atomic spectroscopy courses.

The best undergraduate book for spectroscopy., 19 Jul 2004
The aim of this book is to explain different methods of spectroscopy, from how they work to how to read the spectra. It goes through IR, H and C NMR, UV and so on. Many consider this to be the best book on spectroscopy and it has earned itself quite a reputation. It's also useful for postgraduates because it's more than just a teaching aid; it has many tables inside outlining where you might find that IR peak for a particular functional group or what the chemical shift of something is. On the other hand, if you want a reference text and that's all then there are probably better books than this. I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 mainly because it lies somewhere between a teaching aid and a reference text and despite it being very useful and worth getting, it excells at neither. I'd recommend it.

An excellent book, 15 Jun 2007
An asset to undergraduates and even postgraduates who need a refreshing short book on the basic NMR principles. The book is of course good for how NMR is used for ascertaining inorganic processes/stuctures i.e. fluxionality and isomerism. The book is also just as useful to organic chemists.

For a primer, the book covers a lot of good information on the actual physical theory made use of in attaining an NMR spectrum, which is more important than an UG might appreciate, and they should make an effort to understand these things if the are to fully use NMR at the research level.

Content summary: 1) fundementals - does talk about coupling and relaxation mechanisms in good detail 2) structure determination 3) solid state.

Molecular Spectroscopy rules!!!!!, 24 Jan 2001
When a lecturer recommends a book, it usually spends many months gathering dust on my bookshelf and I end up wondering who paid the lecturer to recommend it in the first place. However, this book, I wholeheartedly recommend myself, as a student. It was recommended by my lecturer BUT!! it is easy to read, easy to understand, maybe not easy to remember, but that is due to my lack of functioning memory cells and not the authors skill.

...It looks boring, blue and green on the outside....but it's awesome. Buy it right now, even if you're not studying chemistry, just to impress your mates.

Overview of Modern Raman, 02 Sep 2005
The book gives a good overview of the modern Raman techniques avaliable. It describes good the pros and cons of Raman, the basic theory behind and some of the possible areas of use.
Can be HIGHLY requmented for EVERYONE working with or about to work with Raman techniques.
- Does NOT have deep Raman theory so this should be sought after elsewhere. Does not have explicit descriptions of the areas covered but gives an EXCELENT overview.

An excellent undergraduate textbook of atomic spectra, 14 Jun 2000
Softley has produced a concise well-written introduction to the field suitable for the undergraduate student and beyond. All the essential elements of a first or second year chemistry course are discussed with a clarity of explanation rare in other books on this subject. Following a brief introduction to the quantum mechanical principles of spectroscopy subsequent chapters deal with the hydrogen atom, alkali metal atoms, before moving on to the helium atom and many electron atoms in logical preogression. Illustrative examples at the end of each chapter allow the student to test his/her progress. This is a book which students of all abilities find accessible and useful and has rapidly become the choice text for atomic spectroscopy courses.

Must Have, 06 Jan 2008
If mass spectrometry is the area you are studying then this book is a must have ! There is also help with biological analysis which was a suprising bonus.

The best undergraduate book for spectroscopy., 19 Jul 2004
The aim of this book is to explain different methods of spectroscopy, from how they work to how to read the spectra. It goes through IR, H and C NMR, UV and so on. Many consider this to be the best book on spectroscopy and it has earned itself quite a reputation. It's also useful for postgraduates because it's more than just a teaching aid; it has many tables inside outlining where you might find that IR peak for a particular functional group or what the chemical shift of something is. On the other hand, if you want a reference text and that's all then there are probably better books than this. I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 mainly because it lies somewhere between a teaching aid and a reference text and despite it being very useful and worth getting, it excells at neither. I'd recommend it.

An excellent book, 15 Jun 2007
An asset to undergraduates and even postgraduates who need a refreshing short book on the basic NMR principles. The book is of course good for how NMR is used for ascertaining inorganic processes/stuctures i.e. fluxionality and isomerism. The book is also just as useful to organic chemists.

For a primer, the book covers a lot of good information on the actual physical theory made use of in attaining an NMR spectrum, which is more important than an UG might appreciate, and they should make an effort to understand these things if the are to fully use NMR at the research level.

Content summary: 1) fundementals - does talk about coupling and relaxation mechanisms in good detail 2) structure determination 3) solid state.

Molecular Spectroscopy rules!!!!!, 24 Jan 2001
When a lecturer recommends a book, it usually spends many months gathering dust on my bookshelf and I end up wondering who paid the lecturer to recommend it in the first place. However, this book, I wholeheartedly recommend myself, as a student. It was recommended by my lecturer BUT!! it is easy to read, easy to understand, maybe not easy to remember, but that is due to my lack of functioning memory cells and not the authors skill.

...It looks boring, blue and green on the outside....but it's awesome. Buy it right now, even if you're not studying chemistry, just to impress your mates.

Overview of Modern Raman, 02 Sep 2005
The book gives a good overview of the modern Raman techniques avaliable. It describes good the pros and cons of Raman, the basic theory behind and some of the possible areas of use.
Can be HIGHLY requmented for EVERYONE working with or about to work with Raman techniques.
- Does NOT have deep Raman theory so this should be sought after elsewhere. Does not have explicit descriptions of the areas covered but gives an EXCELENT overview.

An excellent undergraduate textbook of atomic spectra, 14 Jun 2000
Softley has produced a concise well-written introduction to the field suitable for the undergraduate student and beyond. All the essential elements of a first or second year chemistry course are discussed with a clarity of explanation rare in other books on this subject. Following a brief introduction to the quantum mechanical principles of spectroscopy subsequent chapters deal with the hydrogen atom, alkali metal atoms, before moving on to the helium atom and many electron atoms in logical preogression. Illustrative examples at the end of each chapter allow the student to test his/her progress. This is a book which students of all abilities find accessible and useful and has rapidly become the choice text for atomic spectroscopy courses.

Must Have, 06 Jan 2008
If mass spectrometry is the area you are studying then this book is a must have ! There is also help with biological analysis which was a suprising bonus.

Another great reading on spectroscopy!, 23 Mar 2001
Vibrational and electronic spectroscopy is addressed with applications of group theory to ultraviolet,visible and infrared spectra. Many experimental results as well as additional relevant problems are used to build a strong foundation of vibrational and electronic spectroscopy. The reading was useful for a student like me who has basic background in mechanical engineering. I found it really useful to understand some particular aspects of group theory.

The best undergraduate book for spectroscopy., 19 Jul 2004
The aim of this book is to explain different methods of spectroscopy, from how they work to how to read the spectra. It goes through IR, H and C NMR, UV and so on. Many consider this to be the best book on spectroscopy and it has earned itself quite a reputation. It's also useful for postgraduates because it's more than just a teaching aid; it has many tables inside outlining where you might find that IR peak for a particular functional group or what the chemical shift of something is. On the other hand, if you want a reference text and that's all then there are probably better books than this. I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 mainly because it lies somewhere between a teaching aid and a reference text and despite it being very useful and worth getting, it excells at neither. I'd recommend it.

An excellent book, 15 Jun 2007
An asset to undergraduates and even postgraduates who need a refreshing short book on the basic NMR principles. The book is of course good for how NMR is used for ascertaining inorganic processes/stuctures i.e. fluxionality and isomerism. The book is also just as useful to organic chemists.

For a primer, the book covers a lot of good information on the actual physical theory made use of in attaining an NMR spectrum, which is more important than an UG might appreciate, and they should make an effort to understand these things if the are to fully use NMR at the research level.

Content summary: 1) fundementals - does talk about coupling and relaxation mechanisms in good detail 2) structure determination 3) solid state.

Molecular Spectroscopy rules!!!!!, 24 Jan 2001
When a lecturer recommends a book, it usually spends many months gathering dust on my bookshelf and I end up wondering who paid the lecturer to recommend it in the first place. However, this book, I wholeheartedly recommend myself, as a student. It was recommended by my lecturer BUT!! it is easy to read, easy to understand, maybe not easy to remember, but that is due to my lack of functioning memory cells and not the authors skill.

...It looks boring, blue and green on the outside....but it's awesome. Buy it right now, even if you're not studying chemistry, just to impress your mates.

Overview of Modern Raman, 02 Sep 2005
The book gives a good overview of the modern Raman techniques avaliable. It describes good the pros and cons of Raman, the basic theory behind and some of the possible areas of use.
Can be HIGHLY requmented for EVERYONE working with or about to work with Raman techniques.
- Does NOT have deep Raman theory so this should be sought after elsewhere. Does not have explicit descriptions of the areas covered but gives an EXCELENT overview.

An excellent undergraduate textbook of atomic spectra, 14 Jun 2000
Softley has produced a concise well-written introduction to the field suitable for the undergraduate student and beyond. All the essential elements of a first or second year chemistry course are discussed with a clarity of explanation rare in other books on this subject. Following a brief introduction to the quantum mechanical principles of spectroscopy subsequent chapters deal with the hydrogen atom, alkali metal atoms, before moving on to the helium atom and many electron atoms in logical preogression. Illustrative examples at the end of each chapter allow the student to test his/her progress. This is a book which students of all abilities find accessible and useful and has rapidly become the choice text for atomic spectroscopy courses.

Must Have, 06 Jan 2008
If mass spectrometry is the area you are studying then this book is a must have ! There is also help with biological analysis which was a suprising bonus.

Another great reading on spectroscopy!, 23 Mar 2001
Vibrational and electronic spectroscopy is addressed with applications of group theory to ultraviolet,visible and infrared spectra. Many experimental results as well as additional relevant problems are used to build a strong foundation of vibrational and electronic spectroscopy. The reading was useful for a student like me who has basic background in mechanical engineering. I found it really useful to understand some particular aspects of group theory.

A great text to keep and refer back to later, 17 Nov 2000
This book is definately a good one to buy for a great overall understanding of the many different types of spectroscopy.It covers the most common, including the more complex NMR techniques and gives plenty of examples to use your new interpretation skills on.The examples in Chapter 9 give a you a chance to put together all the techniques introduced to deduce increasingly more complicated structures.Each chapter contains incredibly useful appendices that contain all the practical information you need making it great for quick referal whether in a lab situation or in a more learning one.