J. E. Gordon 'The New Science of Strong Materials or Why You Don't Fall Through the Floor'

This is an excellent and interesting book. Although it touches upon engineering structures, it is mostly about the mechanical properties of materials; why are metals ductile and glass fragile, that sort of thing. It is divided into several sections covering background theory such as stress & strain, elasticity, etc. Then it covers non-metallic materials from wood through to composites like fibreglass and carbon-fibre; and then moves on to cover metallic materials. Throughout the writing is informed by the authors real world experience; illuminating anecdotes abound. For example, the Bakelite Company began life as the Dammard Lacquer Company and sold three grades of varnish, 'Dammard', 'Dammarder' & 'Dammardest'!

So, if you have ever wondered how a loose mesh of glass fibres set in epoxy resin can make a material with properties far different from either component alone then this book is for you.

Penguin Books, 287 pages