This book could be considered a continuation of the biographical series that was published in 1995 titled "Great Chemists: The Old Guard." In that first volume, chemists of the 19th century are presented, during which Chemistry was founded and gained status as an independent science. In the 20th century, Chemistry developed significantly, creating its impressive structure that has made it the Central Science today.

In this second book of biographies, titled "Chemists: The Golden Age," the portraits of 39 chemists are presented, whose work primarily marked the first 50 years of our century. I chose these individuals primarily based on their contribution to the progress of Chemistry, but I was also influenced by their personalities.

[Excerpt from the text of the preface]