Materials: A Very Short Introduction is a broad overview of the field of materials science, and a great way to begin your exploration of engineering. 

What does this book cover? 

Materials: A Very Short Introduction is an excellent example of the Very Short Introductions series. Like all of the Very Short Introductions, it explains the core principles of a topic in a very approachable manner. This makes it a good companion piece for an introductory level course in materials science or engineering, but it can also be a good book to read before you commit to an engineering or materials science degree program.

Materials: A Very Short Introduction deals with:

• Common engineering materials, from graphene, silicon and steel to gold, wood and even rubber.
• How these materials are actually used, and why they are chosen
• Why different materials have different physical properties, and what that tells us about their deeper structure

About the Author 

Christopher Hall teaches at the University of Edinburgh, where he holds the positions of Professorial Fellow and Professor Emeritus. He is also a Fellow of both the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Materials: A Very Short Introduction is a wonderful introduction to the fields of engineering and materials science, as well as a pocket-sized reference which will come in handy throughout your career.