You’ve probably seen them already: periodic tables of meat, workout, Apple innovations, creative thinking, you name it.
The structure and of the original periodic table of elements, published in 1869 by Dmitri Mendeleev turns out to be a perfect way to clearly organize complex topics.
The periodic table, when applied to something different than chemical elements, is also an exciting way to explore the worlds we already know.
There is a surprisingly large number of periodic tables that relate to literature, writing, or particular books, naming only The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, or A Game of Thrones.
The pictures link to the highest-resolution image available on the web. Click on credit links to find out more about the charts and their authors.
Are we missing any of the periodic tables of elements that list all things bookish? Make sure to leave a hint in the comments below. Thanks!
12 literary periodic tables of elements
1. A periodic table of storytelling
This brilliant chart was designed by James R. Harris. On deviantART you can buy it as an art print (framed or unframed), a photo, or printed on a mouse pad.
On the artist website you can find an amazing interactive version. Each element links to a relevant page on TV Tropes, a catalog of tricks for writing fiction.
2. A periodic table of story elements
This simple chart lists most important elements of a good story. It was designed by Barbara Kloss, YA fantasy writer, the author of Pandoran series.
3. A periodic table of world literature
In the chart by Teacher’s Brunch more than 100 authors from around the world are listed chronologically, by genre and home country. The poster is available for sale on Amazon, measuring 24 x 40 inches, laminated.
4. A periodic table of American prose
Another chart from Teacher’s Brunch. On Amazon you can also find a periodic table of American poets.
5. A periodic table of the elements of a literary life
A creative way to apply chemistry to literature. Designed in 2008 by Louis Phillips for Rattle Magazine #29, it’s a tribute to visual poetry.
6. A periodic table of the Hunger Games characters
The Hunger Games fandom at its best. The chart by Risa Rodil lists most important characters in Suzanne Collins’ series.
7. A periodic table of Panem
A bit different approach to The Hunger Games. Characters from different districts are listed, together with info, who is still alive.
Designed by Jess Panza and available on Etsy as an A3 print.
8. A periodic table of Harry Potter
The author of this guide to Harry Potter magic is unknown. It popped up a year ago on Reddit.
9. A periodic table of thrones
Sold on Etsy by The Geekerie the visual lists “the treacherous and the fallen of the lands of Westeros.”
The chart was designed by South Carolina artist Christian Petersen.
10. A periodic table of Middle-earth
The poster was created by Emil Johansson of LotrProject and includes important characters from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
It’s available for sale on Legendarium as 17×22-inch poster.
11. A periodic table of fictional elements
Not being exclusively focused on books, this beautiful periodic table of elements, includes 88 fictional minerals from famous TV shows, movies, games, and pop culture in general.
Comic book and literature elements are the heaviest, and grouped on the right, in light and dark blue. Recommended minerals: Randomonium (Rd), and Narravativium (Na).
12. A periodic table of literary villains
A list of all the nastiest villains from literature placed on a periodic table of elements.
The bad guys are classified according to lust, greed, anger, violence, fraud, and treachery.
