"The Alchemy of Air" by Thomas Hager is a captivating exploration of the monumental discovery that revolutionized agriculture and warfare - the synthesis of ammonia.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Hager delves into the lives of Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch, the brilliant chemists whose collaboration led to the development of the Haber-Bosch process.

This groundbreaking technique enabled the mass production of ammonia, a critical component for manufacturing fertilizers and explosives.

Amidst the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hager vividly portrays the societal and political ramifications of this scientific breakthrough.

With equal parts scientific inquiry and historical narrative, Hager sheds light on the intricate relationship between science, warfare, and global food production.

"The Alchemy of Air" is a thought-provoking journey into the moral dilemmas faced by scientists, revealing the power and consequences of harnessing the elements of the air.