Book excerpt: This attractive volume presents the history, characteristics, and uses for that vibrant yellow element, sulfur. Commercial sulfuric acid production from the early 16th century until today is reviewed, spanning the Ancient and Renaissance periods, the Industrial Age (to which sulfur was vitally important), and the Sulfur War of 1840. The book introduces "the Sulfur Age" and the processes of this period -- such as the Nordhausen, Bell and Leblanc methods --, then goes on to review native sulfur production in Sicily, once a major supplier to the world. Colorful characters abound here, including the Gabelloti, Doppioni, and wine merchants. The focus shifts to Frasch Sulfur production, with a portrait of Herman Frasch, his life and career, and a look at areas touched by his legacy (e.g., Texas, Mexico, Poland and Iraq). Moving to present day, the book presents "recovered" sulfur -- derived from sour gas and oil -- which constitutes 90% of today's elemental sulfur supply, and looks to Canada, a powerhouse supplier of Recovered Sulfur. An entire chapter is devoted to the modern-day sulfur entrepreneur, with a profile of various investors (from the reluctant to the private and institutional), and evaluates the benefits of adopting "revolutionary technologies". Finally, the book forecasts the sulfur industry's future and potential supply sources, such as worldwide oil sands. If you need a single, comprehensive book on sulfur, this is a book for your library.