Atkins' Physical Chemistry remains the benchmark of achievement for a chemistry degree throughout the world. The judicious choice of topics, the clear writing style of both authors, and the careful exposition of maths, reaffirm the book's position as market leader. In the eighth edition the authors provide a more compact presentation through the careful restructuring and redistribution of material. The coverage of introductory topics has been streamlined, and later topics rationalized, bringing into sharper focus the scope of the text to mirror the needs of today's students and lecturers. Mathematics remains an intrinsic yet challenging part of physical chemistry; the new edition offers greater explanation and support, to ensure that students can master the important mathematical principles, without sacrificing the rigour and depth of its mathematical content. The pedagogical framework, which is a hallmark of Atkins' writing, has been strengthened further: new 'Notes on good practice' provide guidance on the use of terminology and help students to avoid common pitfalls; short 'Commentaries' remind students of the applications of mathematical and physical concepts, and provide useful cross-references to related resources in the book and on the accompanying companion web site. The eighth edition introduces new 'Impact on' sections which integrate the impact of physical chemistry on modern applications such as biology, biochemistry, medicine, nanoscience and astrophysics. All these exciting new features and innovations are presented within a new full colour text design, to stimulate and engage students still further.