Promotional Information

"An excellent introduction to crystallography (and, incidentally, to much basic physics) written in plain language, this is the obvious book to turn 'rock hounds' (adult or teenaged) to a fuller understanding of the background of their hobby and to a greater enjoyment of an amateur interest in geology. The text is supplemented by descriptions of simple (and cheap!) experiments and suggestions for additional reading." Library Journal "This work is a 'fascinating discussion of the strange ways in which solids form, an excellent hobby book describing ways of growing crystals, and a lucid, penetrating introduction to solid state physics. It can be read on any of these levels; or ideally, on all... [the book] should prove a delight to all readers." Science

Reviews

An excellent introduction to crystallography (and, incidentally, to much basic physics) written in plain language, this is the obvious book to turn 'rock hounds' (adult or teenaged) to a fuller understanding of the background of their hobby and to a greater enjoyment of an amateur interest in geology. The text is supplemented by descriptions of simple (and cheap!) experiments and suggestions for additional reading.—Library Journal

This work is a 'fascinating discussion of the strange ways in which solids form, an excellent hobby book describing ways of growing crystals, and a lucid, penetrating introduction to solid state physics. It can be read on any of these levels; or ideally, on all...[the book] should prove a delight to all readers.—Science