physical basis of the method and how that technique can be applied to the analysis of solid-state materials. The coverage is not extensive but does serve as an extremely useful guide.
Chapter 5 details aspects of defects in crystals and solid solutions. Chapter 6 shows how phase diagrams can be interpreted. Both chapters are intelligently written and will serve as an excellent introduction for an undergraduate student.
Chapter 7 is concerned with electrical properties of materials. It covers a wide range of topics, from superconductivity, through organic metals, charge-transfer complexes, fullerides, semiconductors and ionic conductors, to solid electrolytes. The coverage is quite extensive and includes numerous examples of the utilization of solid-state chemistry in commercial devices. This chapter, in particular the sections detailing the use of solidstate batteries, has been completely rewritten since the first edition.
Chapter 8 details the magnetic and optical properties of solid-state materials.
Chapter 9 is a new chapter. It covers one of the main omissions of the first edition -how solid state materials are made. The traditional 'heat and beat' ceramic method and the various chimie douce approaches to synthesis are explained with clarity. Some of the basic aspects of forming thin films via CVD, electroplating, sputtering and laser ablation are covered. So too are aspects of combustion synthesis (SHS, SSM) and crystal growth.
The Further Reading section gives references to books, original papers and reviews related to the various chapters. This information has been updated to include 1999 publications. A set of questions and a comprehensive index round off the book.
I have only two minor criticisms of this book. The first is that answers to the set questions are not provided. Inclusion of this material, at least in part, would certainly help students and give them a form of self-assessment. It should be noted, however, that answers to the questions can be obtained by lecturers directly from the author. The second criticism concerns the quality of the photographs in the book. Whilst the photographs are interesting (particularly the one of a Japanese lady being levitated on a YBaCuO superconductor), they are somewhat blurred and not of the reproductive quality of the line diagrams.
Overall this is an outstanding textbook. The first edition of the book firmly established itself as the market leader, and indeed in some respects a pioneer in grouping together solid-state chemistry into a distinct teaching entity. The second edition is even better. This is a 'must have' book for any undergraduate studying solid-state chemistry.