Best Industrial & Technical Chemistry Books of 2026

Botanical Curses and Poisons: The Shadow-Lives of Plants is a beautifully illustrated compendium that delves into the history and folklore surrounding some of the most toxic plants. From apple to oleander, the author covers the untold stories and mysteries behind these lethal plants, including their use in religion and magic, and common antidotes. The book is perfect for gardeners, writers, folklorists, witches, and scientists alike. The author, Fez Inkwright, brings her passion and knowledge of botany, nature, primitive religions, and folklore to life with this enthralling treasury.

PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story by Alexander and Ann Shulgin is an exceptional work that combines autobiography, organic chemistry, politics, ethnobotany, and psychopharmacology. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which is a fictionalized autobiographical novel about two people named Shura and Alice who fall in love. The second half of the book contains detailed instructions for the synthesis of 179 psychedelic phenethylamines that were mostly discovered by Shulgin himself. This book appeals to adults of all ages and cultures, and to the psychedelically experienced and inexperienced alike. It is a foundational work in the genre and a must-read for anyone interested in the subject matter.

TiHKAL: The Continuation is an enthralling sequel to PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story and can be read independently. The book is written about a family of psychoactive drugs known as tryptamines and is divided into two parts. The first part is a fictionalized autobiography that picks up where the previous book left off. The second part is a detailed manual for 55 psychedelic compounds, many of which were discovered by Shulgin. The book is a blend of travel, botanical facts, scientific speculation, psychological and political commentary. The cultural impact of these works has been profound and will continue to be so in the future.

Elixir: A Parisian Perfume House and the Quest for the Secret of Life tells the story of two young chemists who challenged the scientific consensus of their time by searching for the vital force that promised to reveal the secret to life itself. The book is a fascinating cultural and scientific history, rich in sparks and smells, brimming with eccentric characters, experimental daring, and the romance of the Bohemian salon. Theresa Levitt vividly explains why perfume, bathed in, lathered on, and orally consumed, had a chokehold on Parisian life. Written with the propulsive flow of a novel, this book is almost impossible to put down.

Bourbon Curious: A Tasting Guide for the Savvy Drinker with Tasting Notes for Dozens of New Bourbons by Fred Minnick is a must-read for bourbon enthusiasts. Minnick, a renowned whiskey writer, presents an interactive tasting journey that helps readers select barrel-aged bourbons based on their flavor preferences. He cuts through brand marketing and focuses solely on the flavor of the whiskey. The book groups bourbon into four main flavor profiles and suggests cocktail recipes to complement them, making it approachable for all. Minnick also debunks myths and explores distiller secrets, making this book a fascinating read. Overall, Bourbon Curious is an informative and enjoyable guide that offers unique insights into the world of bourbon.

This book, titled "Bioprocess Technology: Kinetics and Reactors," is an updated and expanded version of the 1981 German edition called "Bioprozesstechnik." The author, a seasoned educator and researcher, aims to bridge the gap between basic principles and applied engineering practice, integrate biological and physical phenomena, and contribute to the development of bioprocess technology. The book includes computer simulations and practical examples, making it comprehensive and useful. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for those interested in biotechnology and its applications.

Toxic Legacy by Stephanie Seneff, PhD, is a thought-provoking book that presents compelling evidence on how glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is causing chronic diseases and destroying the environment. The author delivers her findings in accessible language and provides guidance for simple changes that can protect our health and the planet. Toxic Legacy is a game-changer that will change the way we think about food and the herbicide industry. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about their health and the environment.

The Drug Users Bible [Extended Edition]: Harm Reduction, Risk Mitigation, Personal Safety is a comprehensive guide that provides life-saving information to drug users. The author's 12-year experience with over 180 psychoactive substances is recorded in the book, including onset times, common doses, routes of administration, and expected experience duration. The book also covers addiction/overdose advice, harm tables, legal briefings, drug tourism, psychedelic exploration, and drug-related culture. The book is lavishly illustrated with hundreds of photographs taken by the author. Overall, this encyclopedic research is a unique and unprecedented volume that provides crucial information to support the health, welfare, and wellbeing of 250 million drug users worldwide.

Perfume: The Alchemy of Scent by Jean-Claude Ellena is a micro-encyclopedia that provides an informative guide to the perfumer's work and the perfume industry. The author's romantic rhapsodies will inspire readers to visit a perfume counter and test their impressions. Jean-Claude Ellena, who was made Hermès' first exclusive perfumer in 2004, designs his scents at his studio in Cabris and lives and works in the hills of Grasse in France. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in aromatherapy and the art of perfumery.

Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians is a comprehensive guide for HVACR professionals to maintain and troubleshoot medium- and low-temperature refrigeration equipment. The book includes practical tips, charts, and photographs for installing, servicing, and diagnosing commercial equipment in the food service industry. The fourth edition is updated with the latest advances in commercial refrigeration, including a step-by-step flowchart to diagnose and address the nine most common refrigeration problems. This book is an excellent resource for any technician working with commercial refrigeration today.