Borrowing this book to my student Leonarda has left me urging to read it again. (I have now bought me a second copy.)

This is a book that takes you through group theory and applies it to the study of molecules. I remember liking it so much because not a single step in deduction is overlooked and no formulas appeared out of thin air. I remember also the chills and the pleasure from making far-reaching conclusions from a modest set of assumptions.

The book is from 1967 and, from what I can tell, out of print. But occasionally can be found used. Don't mind that it it's old, it is an excellent introductory text.