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Cover of The Periodic Table
Biography & Memoir· Italy

The Periodic Table

by Primo Levi
Aggregate Editorial Score71/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Published 1975238 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Published in 1975, The Periodic Table established Primo Levi as one of the defining voices in biography & memoir. Levi structures his memoir around the elements of the periodic table, using each element as a pivot for a story from his life as a chemist, partisan, and Holocaust survivor. Widely considered one of the greatest books of the twentieth century, it is at once a scientific testament, an autobiography, and a meditation on the human capacity for both evil and endurance. Themes of Holocaust, chemistry, survival run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 1975.

Book Details

AuthorPrimo Levi
Published1975
Country of Origin🇮🇹 Italy
LanguageEnglish
Pages238
Category✍️ Biography & Memoir
ISBN9780805210415
Editorial Score71/100
About the Category

✍️ Biography & Memoir

True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

Explore all Biography & Memoir books →
Country of Origin

🇮🇹 Italy

This book is part of Italy's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Italy →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1975, Primo Levi's The Periodic Table is a work of biography & memoir that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with Holocaust, chemistry, survival, identity gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Periodic Table among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 1975. Our aggregate score of 71/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Periodic Table lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of Holocaust, chemistry, survival, identity is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Italy's literary landscape, Primo Levi occupies a significant position. The Periodic Table is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
197560
✍️
About the Author
Primo Levi
Italy
View Author →

Primo Levi is a celebrated author from Italy known for influential works of biography memoir.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Periodic Table about?

Levi structures his memoir around the elements of the periodic table, using each element as a pivot for a story from his life as a chemist, partisan, and Holocaust survivor. Widely considered one of the greatest books of the twentieth century, it is at once a scientific testament, an autobiography, and a meditation on the human capacity for both evil and endurance.

Who wrote The Periodic Table?

The Periodic Table was written by Primo Levi, from Italy. First published in 1975.

What awards has The Periodic Table won?

The Periodic Table has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 1975.

Is The Periodic Table worth reading?

The Periodic Table is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in Holocaust, chemistry, survival.

Where can I buy The Periodic Table?

You can buy The Periodic Table on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Periodic Table?

The Periodic Table is classified as Biography & Memoir. True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

What country is The Periodic Table from?

The Periodic Table originates from Italy's literary tradition. Explore more books from Italy on our country page.

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