Understanding Materials Science: History, Properties, Applications

Rating:
Summary: Best book on history of materials!
Review: Even though I'm an anthropologist by training, I found this book to be the easiest, most knowledgable and enjoyable text I've ever seen on materials and the role they've played in shaping both mankind, culture and the history of the field of materials science. Dr Hummel has written a brilliant and enlightening explanation of what makes "it" all tick. But he doesn't stop there. Materials students will appreciate the scientific explanations, problems and colorful illustrations (in the center of the book)that make this a true scientific text (not just for laypersons like myself). If I were to give myself one book for Christmas, it would be this one.