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Kenneth George Libbrecht
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The Snowflake Hardcover – November 17, 2003

by Kenneth Libbrecht (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 143 ratings
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Snowflakes may be an everyday, common subject, but youve never seen them like this! A collection of amazing photography of snow crystals using a unique system designed to take super-detailed micro images of these miniature ice masterpieces, "The Snowflake" is an extraordinary look at a seemingly ordinary object. Author Kenneth Libbrecht, a physics professor at Caltech and the pre-eminent snow-crystal researcher, discusses the physics and mythology of snow and how snow crystals are made. Photographer Patricia Rasmussen presents remarkable color micro-photography of snowflakes, and also discusses the history of snow-crystal micro-photography as invented by farmer Wilson Bentley.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    112 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Voyageur Press
  4. Publication date
    November 17, 2003
  5. Dimensions
    8.75 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0896586308
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0896586307
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Physicist Libbrecht and photographer Rasmussen both grew up in snowy climes, but it took a scientific and aesthetic focus to deepen their appreciation for snow's hidden beauty, revelations they now share in a felicitous union of word and image. Libbrecht decodes the exquisite architecture of individual snowflakes by explaining how these "miniature ice masterpieces" are literally conjured out of thin air as water vapor condenses into ice in shapes dictated by the geometry of water molecules. Temperature, humidity, and motion all contribute to the forming of snow crystals, which shape-shift rapidly from simple faceted structures to complex branching forms, growing and falling at the rate of a million billion crystals a second. The physics of snow crystals is fascinating, and so, too, is Libbrecht's history of the science of snowflakes, which features Rene Descartes; Johannes Kepler; Vermont farmer Wilson Bentley, who pioneered a method for photographing individual snowflakes; and physicist Ukichiro Nakaya, who figured out how to grow them. And then there are Rasmussen's exquisite photographs of these gems. Donna Seaman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

Los Angeles Times, Feb. 16, 2006 (circ.: Orange County edition: 187,300; LA edition: 908,000; Valley edition: 200,600)"With a series of books, photographs and a Web site (www.snowcrystals.com) that gets 2 million hits a year, Libbrecht is expanding his snowflake empire this year when the U.S. Postal Service issues a commemorative four-stamp set with his snow crystal photos. Later, a new Libbrecht book will hit the stands: a pocket-sized field guide to snowflake types that will make it easy for every man to identify and classify nature's frozen art."

Home Education MagazineDec. 1, 2007

“For the truly snow-obsessed, The Snowflake is an excellent overview of the history, science, and art of snowflakes, illustrated with exquisite photographs.”



The Polar Times (official publication of the American Polar Society), January 2006 (circ. unavailable)"Anyone who appreciates the handsome, intricate symmetry of snow crystals must buy Kenneth Libbrecht's book."

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Voyageur Press; 1st edition (November 17, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 112 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0896586308
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0896586307
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.75 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.75 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 143 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Kenneth George Libbrecht

    Kenneth George Libbrecht

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    Kenneth Libbrecht knows perhaps more than anyone should about the science of snowflakes. He had his first exposure to the subject during many cold winters growing up on a farm outside of Fargo, North Dakota. He eventually made his way out of the snow and into the sun of Southern California, becoming a professor of physics at Caltech.

    In the mid 1990's, Libbrecht's interest in the molecular dynamics of crystal growth led him back to his roots and into to a detailed study of how ice crystals grow from water vapor, which is essentially the physics of snowflakes. This ongoing endeavor seeks to better understand how crystals grow and how complex patterns emerge in the process. Libbrecht also furthered the art of snow crystal photography and has taken over 10,000 pictures of all different types of snowflakes. His books display many beautiful photographs and describe how these diminutive ice sculptures manage to appear, quite literally, out of thin air. In 2006, the U.S. Post Office created a set of commemorative first-class postage stamps featuring Libbrecht's snowflake photographs.

    More news and views about snowflakes can be found at Libbrecht's web site -- www.SnowCrystals.com.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Patricia Rasmussen

    Patricia Rasmussen

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
143 global ratings
Great book; not great condition
4 Stars
Great book; not great condition
The book itself is great, but it came in less than ideal condition. I knew the book was used; it was advertised in “very good” condition. It arrived with a corner completely beat up (like an animal chewed on it). Thankfully, I got it for a good price, but I was disappointed to see it’s actual condition. With that being said, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn a little more about snowflake or just to enjoy some gorgeous photographs.
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Top reviews from the United States

KAREN DOTRICE
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024
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Beautiful book in great condition. Thank you
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Utah Blaine
5.0 out of 5 stars The Beauty and Physics of Snowflakes - A Book for both Artists and Scientists
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2006
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If you've evered wondered about the why's and what's and how's about snowflakes, this is the book you are looking for. The author, Kenneth Libbrecht, is chairman of the Physics Department at Cal Tech and has done some professional work studying snowflakes. In this book, he has made the beauty and the mystery of the snowflakes accessible to all. This book is a discussion of the physics of the snowflake, history of research into snowflakes, the morphology of the different types of snowflakes. In short, you'll learn how snowflakes are formed, why they have such a wide range of shapes, and what shapes they can take. There are hundreds of beautiful photographs in this book as well (some of the other reviewers discuss the photos at length and I would agree with their assessment). This is a popular, not technical, book and anyone with an interest in science can read and enjoy it. You certainly don't need an advanced degree in physics. After reading this inspiring book and newly armed with a bit of knowledge, you'll want to dash outside in the next snowstorm to examine one of God's most beautiful creations. At less than $15 for a beautiful hardback, this book will appeal to both the scientists and the artists, and is a steal. After reading through this book, I suspect that you'll view the next snowstorm in a new light.
4 people found this helpful
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Sheena Leader Of the Fuzzheads
5.0 out of 5 stars Another reason to love snow
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2007
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Well written, with unparalleled photos of snow crystals. The book contains accurate physics, nice insights into snow crystal morphology and growth and is at a level that will engage almost everyone. Enough information here for a physicist to enjoy the book, but presented in a way that will not intimidate the layman. Just gazing at the pictures of the snowflakes will inspire wonder at the beauty of these little ephemeral creations, and is an antidote for frazzled nerves any time of the day, in any season. I've bought several to give away and one for myself, and it probably won't be the last one.

The reviewer below who thought the author doesn't give enough credit to God for the amazing design of the snowflake, may be a little too demanding. Perhaps the author thought the little crystals speak for themselves, and lets the reader draw his own conclusions. I can't look at these beautiful pictures without marveling at a God who is so creative He doesn't "know when to quit"!
6 people found this helpful
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RavensOyster
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Photographs
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2013
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Kenneth Libbrecht will teach you more about snowflakes than you ever guessed there was to know about them. This used copy is temporary for me till I get my original copy back from Alaskan storage. I originally bought it because in our homeschooling we were doing winter nature walks and reading children's books about Wilson Bentley (incidentally, I think the wrong one is still in print). We bought a Dover paperback of his photographs for the historic element and then to see modern quality (and also see how our technological ability has changed over the years) we bought this one. I didn't expect that when I bought it I would read it cover to cover, but I did... snowflakes have been around me my entire life and certainly I looked at them under magnifying glasses and marveled at their diversity but never gave them a thought beyond that. Needless to say, I don't look at snow the same way anymore. :)
5 people found this helpful
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Bugs
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Photography and Science of Snowflake Creation
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2006
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Caltech physics professor Kenneth Libbrecht and photographer Patricia Rasmussen have put together a beautiful dissertation on the awesome formation and science behind snowflake formation--as much as is currently known, that is--there is still much to be deciphered in one of Nature's most beautiful and mysterious creations, but the basics are all here and depicted in beautiful detail along with easy to understand science. No two snow crystals are alike, but there are a multitude of basic design categories indexed.

This book is book in a coffee-table format and the many photos are top quality and breathtaking.

Libbrecht has also published a small photo catalog of over 140 beautiful snow crystals ("The Little Book of Snowflakes") in stunning detail and this makes a great companion book. Libbrecht's website has much more snowflake info (snowcrystals.com).
7 people found this helpful
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Cindy Stilwell
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book; not great condition
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2022
Verified Purchase
The book itself is great, but it came in less than ideal condition. I knew the book was used; it was advertised in “very good” condition. It arrived with a corner completely beat up (like an animal chewed on it). Thankfully, I got it for a good price, but I was disappointed to see it’s actual condition. With that being said, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn a little more about snowflake or just to enjoy some gorgeous photographs.
Customer image
Cindy Stilwell
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book; not great condition
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2022
The book itself is great, but it came in less than ideal condition. I knew the book was used; it was advertised in “very good” condition. It arrived with a corner completely beat up (like an animal chewed on it). Thankfully, I got it for a good price, but I was disappointed to see it’s actual condition. With that being said, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn a little more about snowflake or just to enjoy some gorgeous photographs.
Images in this review
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One person found this helpful
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Stephen P. Lloyd
5.0 out of 5 stars Every snowfall is an opportunity
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2007
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This handsome book should motivate the reader to appreciate -- perhaps even delight in -- every snowfall. The photos are superb; they are often curiously interesting and always a visual feast. Libbrecht provides an easy to understand description of the formation of snow crystals (not all of them are flakes, he points out.) The book will encourage some readers to want more, and Libbrecht provides a companion volume -- a Field Guide -- for that purpose. This is more than a mere coffee-table volume. Libbrecht makes the physics behind the snow crystals not only understandable, but charming. Libbrecht uses clear prose without "dumbing down" the science. Now, if Libbrecht will only produce another volume with 3D or stereo views...!
One person found this helpful
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KMR
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book to Read Every Year
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2014
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This book has the most amazing photography of snowflakes you will ever see. It goes into discussing the different formations and would be a fantastic resource for a child to understand and explore snowflakes. It is written at an adult level. I can see a child using this book to write a paper about snowflakes in grade school. Also would be a great was to inspire a child in science. A great book to create a wonderful parent-child afternoon together every time it snows.

The book was in excellent condition as described by the seller. I would certainly be willing to buy from this seller anytime.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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alanapetty
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in Canada on February 12, 2021
Verified Purchase
The book was in near perfect condition upon arrival
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aaronporta-2007
5.0 out of 5 stars Wunder Gottes
Reviewed in Germany on March 26, 2013
Verified Purchase
liebevoll gestaltetes Buch das einem die Fascination der
Schneeflocke (Kristall) vor Augen führt!
Da aus Übersee , etwas längere Lieferzeit, was nicht zu ändern ist.
One person found this helpful
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シンメトリー
5.0 out of 5 stars とにかく美しい！
Reviewed in Japan on February 29, 2004
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これは店頭で思わず一目惚れしてしまった本です。
雪の結晶に関する書は他にも何冊か出ていますが、こちらが一番だと思います。
結晶の「透明度」、「色」、「今にも溶けてしまいそうなリアルな質感」が
細部まで実に鮮明に写し出されていて、その美しさに暫し見入ってしまいます。
その他、結晶の種類や気象条件など図説入りで素人にも分かりやすい一冊です。
32 people found this helpful
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lemonsugar
3.0 out of 5 stars 雪の結晶の形をじっくりと眺めることができます。
Reviewed in Japan on February 14, 2011
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英語で書かれているので、内容はよくわかりませんが、雪の結晶の写真をじっくり眺めて神秘の世界に浸れます。お値段もプチプライスなのが良いです。
One person found this helpful
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キノコ
2.0 out of 5 stars 微妙です。
Reviewed in Japan on December 8, 2006
Verified Purchase
私の中では全ページに渡り、結晶の写真が見られると思って購入したのですが、英字多すぎます。読んでいると眠くなり、もう何回同じページを読んだかわかりません。写真集！と思って買わなければいいんだと思います。まあ、でも、質は良いもので結晶の美しさは楽しめます。写真集！と思って買うならば、ポストカード集は素敵でしたよ。
17 people found this helpful
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