Elements of the Universe
Published in 1958, this is an excellent book for placing within a historical context how to explain to the general public concepts like elements, atoms, molecules, atomic nuclei, the composition of Earth and universe, and how new elements are discovered. One of the co-authors (Glenn Seaborg) was a Nobel laureate. Several chapters were contributed by other Nobel laureates and leaders in the field of nuclear chemistry. This book is especially enjoyable to me because I have known personally several of the people who contributed to the book.