Chaline discusses the metals, alloys, rocks, and organic minerals and gemstones that humans have used as the building blocks of civilization. Covering the economic, cultural, political and industrial history of each, he shows the effect of each on the scope and pace of human development, as well as the dangers posed by our exploitation of Earth's resources.

Many of the heroes of World War II are well-known, larger-than-life figures. This book is a tribute to the lesser-known but equally amazing individuals -- some working secretly behind the scenes on the home front and others behind enemy lines -- who made just as significant a contribution to the wartime story. It sheds new and timely light on more than 50 of the often unsung heroes and heroines of the world's most destructive war.