I am a scientist, but not an engineer. Equations are not my forté. This book gives a great intuitive understanding of materials science, but goes beyond that to tell us how simple structures work. It's filled with great anecdotes and carries it all off with a sense of humor. I discovered it many years ago, and I'm reading it for the 3rd time just for the pleasure.

Author James Gordon has that special gift of passionately imparting sound knowledge succintly and with a refreshing sense of British humour. Where was he when I was studying physics? This book is an excellent summary for anyone studying engineering, too. I had already read his other book "Structures - or why things don't fall down" and I would recommend this also, though the contents naturally overlap a little. Two classics - get Amazon to have them both on your shelf.

A must read for every engineer. It's a big pity that John Gordon have written only 2 books, this and "Structures", for he is a real master of teaching structures. Even though it is an old book 90% in it is timeless.

But you should have! Gordon unravels the mysteries of materials science for all, and provides a good reference book for all that specialized in the area. Informative, practical, and especially- entertaining.

One of the most readable technical books I've yet read. Accompanied by Gordon's English wit, this book is as entertaining as it is informative.

The true test of how well someone knows their subject is the ability to make it eminently understandable. No higher math involved in this text, just simply stated explanations of material science and how this knowledge supports engineering design.

This is the kind of

The title of the book is extremely misleading. The book was published in 1968. So if you are looking for state of the art materials, forget it. I bought this book because it was on Bill Gates' book list. I wonder if Bill knows.

I like very much this book I think that all engineers must be read this book at least one time. The concepts are very clear and is like read a novel.-

An interesting read. Thoroughly enjoyed the book almost as much as The Radioactive Boy Scout.

While this was written in the 1960s, its account of how materials and forces work was immensely informative, at least for someone with nothing higher than O-level physics. It's very readable, highly entertaining and not at all donnish. There is an introduction from the splendid modern-day science writer Philip Ball.

Si has leído el libro “estructuras o por qué las cosas no se caen” debes leer este libro del mismo autor. A lo largo de sus casi 300 hojas, J.E. Gordon revisa una larga lista de conceptos de resistencia y ciencia de materiales, pero de manera más bien divulgativa. Puede parecer un poco duro al principio, pero merece la pena.

This is both an entertaining and educational read. Gordon takes us to the basics of materials science and doesn't shy away from the necessary maths to lend understanding. To know where you are and where you are going, you need to know where you've been. Engineering and materials science has truly humble beginnings but today's technology is an evolutionary marvel. I particularly liked the references to non man-made materials like ligaments and muscle. That's how stuff was made before we invented steel.

This is a great primer for someone just starting in their engineering career and wondering is this for me? Also, a great book for science teachers.

However, if you are like me and ready to take your foot off the pedal it is a refreshing reminder of what that gut feel was all about.