J. E. Gordon "I was thoroughly charmed and won over by this book which I now recommend to all my colleagues."--Daniel C. Mattis, American Journal of Physics "Princeton has brought to the public a highly readable treatise on the science of materials that emphasizes the strength of chemical and physical bonds, crystal structure, and cracks. . . . The author admits the necessity of being highly selective in the materials he can discuss so broadly, but he ably presents chemical and physical problems and how they have been solved in an orderly fashion, and he shows that the strength of materials is influenced as much by their environment and loading systems as by their own structures and shapes."--S. W. Dobyns, Science Books and Films
The New Science of Strong Materials
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
Princeton has brought to the public a highly readable treatise on the science of materials that emphasizes the strength of chemical and physical bonds, crystal structure, and cracks. . . . The author admits the necessity of being highly selective in the materials he can discuss so broadly, but he ably presents chemical and physical problems and how they have been solved in an orderly fashion, and he shows that the strength of materials is influenced as much by their environment and loading systems as by their own structures and shapes. -- Review
From the Back Cover
Praise for Princeton's original edition: "I found Gordon's writing style fascinating; his book reads like a novel, and the technical content is superb."--Enoch J. Durbin, Princeton University
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Professor Gordon is the sort of teacher I would have appreciated in school. One imagines him as a grey haired gentleman in rumpled slacks and cardigan with a pipe and sneakers who makes it his kindly mission in life to fill his students with a zest for his chosen calling.
His explanations are elegant, simple and fascinating. I can't think of higher praise for someone trying to make sense of a discipline as complicated as materials science.
The problem with most academics is an inherent need to appear learned. This leads to obscure and convoluted explanations that are, if not overtly, at least subconsciously designed to maintain the gap between the ignorant masses and the enlightened adepts. Even when such academics make a conscious attempt to simplify, their efforts are too often sabotaged by the bad habits of a lifetime.
This is why good popularisers are so difficult to come by, and why the Gordons of the world should be so prized.
This book isn't just about the science of materials, but about how such an exotic subject actually connects with our everyday lives. We live in a certain way, and not in a different way, because of the strengths, weaknesses, costs and working difficulties in the materials that we use. I don't think most laymen ever bother thinking about the world in quite this way.
This book is not actually meant for engineers or scientists, although most such technos would greatly benefit from reading it (if only to learn the meaning of true grasp and clarity). Its true benefit is to those curious laymen who wish to know more, but who find the usual explanations beyond them.
This book should be required reading for all undergraduates, not just aspiring scientists or engineers. In fact, it should be especially required for non-technical types.
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is part of the Princeton Science Library, the best collection of books on mathematics and science for the intelligent layman. Like other books in that series, it is succinct and clearly written. I read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. All of the positive reader reviews are right on.
Because I liked it so much, I purchased Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down also by Professor Gordon. As it turned out, that book covers the same material, but in greater breadth and depth, and with more illustrations. There's much to be said for reading both books, but if you're only going to read one, "Structures" is the one.
Because I liked it so much, I purchased Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down also by Professor Gordon. As it turned out, that book covers the same material, but in greater breadth and depth, and with more illustrations. There's much to be said for reading both books, but if you're only going to read one, "Structures" is the one.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Far more than a textbook intro, it is a biographical narrative of the discovery of why some materials are strong, some not; how wooden airplanes were made in WWI and I, how plastics were found to be strong, or not, why fiber composites, such as fibreglass, were found to be so strong. Immensely entertaining, very educational .
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book. In simple terms the author conveys some complex concepts. I shared it with my daughter to complement her materials course in college (engineering).
Published 4 months ago by M. Caldwell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome, Simple, and Effective
Great book that explains engineering principles in easy to understand, everyday language. No complicated formulas, not heavy math related. Read more
Published 4 months ago by B. Zeigler
5.0 out of 5 stars
A modern classic
This postwar book about materials science walks you through the basics of statics and materials in a simple and straightforward way, accompanied by excellent stories of wartime... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Sean Kelly
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-read for physics students
Author James Gordon has that special gift of passionately imparting sound knowledge succintly and with a refreshing sense of British humour. Read more
Published 7 months ago by John Gale
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book so far.
Red the first 5 chapters by now. seems like a great book so far! If you liked the " structures" book you re going to love this one.
Published 9 months ago by nikos
4.0 out of 5 stars
Book great, Kindle version needs work
The book is a classic, I've come across references to it from respected boat designers and aeronautical engineers among others. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Robin Hilliard
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Book You Didn't Read in Engineering School-
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. Read more
Published 11 months ago by BobG
5.0 out of 5 stars
An big book in a small size
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.-
Published on May 12, 2011 by Rodolfok
5.0 out of 5 stars
A brilliant book
Though this book was written some time ago I think it should be essential background reading for all teachers of science and engineering. Read more
Published on September 10, 2009 by Robin Hoare
5.0 out of 5 stars
The New Science of Strong Materials
J.E. Gordon's book should be required reading for all engineering students as well as working engineers. Read more
Published on July 13, 2008 by George Mayer
