Helium is comprehensive but very readable. It flows in a way that one can sit and read the book from start to end.

The discovery and history section is especially fascinating. The story of its discovery in the sun and later on Earth is undoubtedly the most intriguing of any element, and this book corrects the myths that have long surrounded it. The story of its production and use begins with an idea to replace explosive, hydrogen-filled military blimps in World War I, and winds through the giant flying aircraft-carriers of the 1930s, Zeppelin's desire to obtain helium for the Hindenburg and its sister ship, the US Navy's anti-submarine blimps of World War II that escorted 89,000 ships with the loss of only one vessel to enemy action, and the importance of helium to the space race and the cold war. Looking to the future, the Helium-3 section cuts through the popular press' hype and fantasy about fusion energy, to reveal the facts.

The book provides enough detail to educate the reader on any aspect without getting too complicated, but offers references and suggestions for further reading for those who wish to investigate further. I highly recommend it for students, for those in the natural gas and industrial gas businesses, and for any helium user who wants to know more about it.
David Dennington, Author of The Airshipmen .