Customer Reviews

Solid State Chemistry and Its Applications

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Where this book is good, it is very good. Where it is isn't, it is badly dated and incomplete. I suspect that the book's shortcomings stem from West's sole authorship - he just doesn't know much about a broad swath of this subject. A subject as broad and interdisciplinary as solid state chemistry demands a text written by at least two (but not more than three) knowledgeable solid state chemists. West needs a coauthor!

The good parts. Synthesis of bulk solids, particularly as applied to oxides. Interpretation of Phase diagrams & Ionic Conductivity and Solid Electrolytes - best treatments in any introductory text. Glasses & Cement and Concrete - not complete of course, but good introductions.

The adequate parts: Most of the material related to characterization of solids. Diffraction, spectroscopy, crystal symmetry, crystal defects, ionic bonding. Not terribly exciting treatment or imaginative in coverage, but adequate.

Completely dated - obsolete even when the book was first published: all subjects requiring a quantum-mechanical treatement, e.g., magnetism, electrical conductivity, all treatment of bonding other than ionic or hydrogen-bonded systems.

Attending the University of Aberdeen from 1990-94, it was my pleasure to receive solid state chemistry lectures from the author, Professor West.

He was always very clear, concise, and helpful, if terribly busy.

The book was the magnum opus of the Inorganic Department, and was widely used throughout. It covers a very large range of topics, and is rather impressive for its clarity and breadth of information.

Despite the rather phenomenal expense, the book is well worth the price FOR THOSE involved in theoretical and practical applications of solid state chemistry. In my current work as a solid state research chemist, the book has proven an invaluable resource and without peer.

Highly recommended.

I couldn't consider the best book I've read about solid chemistry but it is complete for graduate students. The crystaline structure is well treated but it's poor in the quantum approach. My teacher loves this book as she was a student of Anthony West but I don't like it. I bought it 'cause I was robbed and I lost this book and now I need to get it back to the library.

This is an EXCELLENT, comprehensive book on solid state chemistry. However, the expense of this book is a joke. Save yourself the money, and check it out at a university library.