Buying a Chem Textbook...advice is welcomed

Okay im buying 1 for theory...and 1 for calculations, imm struggling most on theory now so...here are the top contenders:

Theory:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0199146330/ref=olp_product_details/202-6186463-6983005?ie=UTF8&seller=
or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/level-Chemistry-Core-Text-Level/dp/0748752994/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/202-6186463-6983005

Calculations:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calculations-Level-Chemistry-Level/dp/0748758399/ref=pd_sim_b_5/202-6186463-6983005
or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calculations-AS-Level-Chemistry-Clark/dp/0582411270/ref=pd_sim_b_3/202-6186463-6983005

Please advise me on which is best, or if you have any toher text book that u think has to be the best plz let me knw...its vv important as i want to buy it before xmas as my exam is in january.

Thanks

Reply 1

zippy_gerbil

I can vouch for the Oxford Advanced Chemistry book and the calculations book by Jim Clark. Although, the advanced one covers a lot more detail than standard A-level books - which is a good thing generally, but you might want to think about revision guides specific for your exam board.

Reply 2

Doji

i dont mid the one that gives more info..as long as i get a better understanding, i will jsut read from my syllabus and learn what i need to know from the book.

So you say oxford advanced and the jim clark calcualtions book...anyone else have different books they reccomend? ...jay? :p:

Reply 3

Coffeespoons

I'd recommend Collins Advanced Science Chemistry http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chemistry-Collins-Advanced-Science-Conoley/dp/0007135971/sr=8-1/qid=1165943261/ref=sr_1_1/026-4271331-3614030?ie=UTF8&s=books

It's absolutely massive yet comprehensive and very clear. But why don't u go to ur skool/local library, have a flick through the books in there and decide which makes the most sense for u?

Reply 4

Doji

thing is...i was very keen on buying that...but then i read a review saying itr doesnt go to enough detail:

Pretty good, 12 May 2003
Reviewer: Fezzy (London, England) - See all my reviews
This book is great for those of you who are starting the A Level course. Its easy to understand and provides ample background information.

However it doesn't go into 'excessive' detail, which can be a problem when if you are studying at home and not at college. I would advice buying another book along with this book.

The book itself is very appealing, the books and constant 'did you know' boxes which make chemistry revelant to our daily lives. Something the exam board hasn't learnt.

its the 1st one...

Reply 5

Wangers

the 1st one - Oxford Advanced Chem - I have that - its good. Going into some extra detail generally but I find that helps with the overall understanding.