Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down (Penguin Science)
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Product Description
Product Description
In "The New Science of Strong Materials" the author made plain the secrets of materials science. In this volume he explains the importance and properties of different structures.
About the Author
James Edward Gordon was born in 1913. He took a degree in naval architecture at Glasgow University and worked in wood and steel shipyards, intending to design sailing ships. On the outbreak of the Second World War he moved to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough, where he worked on wooden aircraft, plastics and unorthodox materials of all kinds. He designed the sailing rescue dinghies carried at one time by most bomber aircraft. He later became head of the plastic structures sections at Farnborough and developed a method of construction in reinforced plastics which is now used for a number of purpose in aircraft and rockets.
For several frustrating years he worked in industry on the strength of glass and the growth of strong 'whisker' crystals. In 1962 he returned to government service as superintendent of an experimental branch at Waltham Abbey concerned with research and development of entirely new structural materials, most of which were based on 'whiskers'. He was Industrial Fellow Commoner at Churchill College, Cambridge, and became Professor of Materials Technology at the University of Reading, where he was later Professor Emeritus. He was awarded the British Silver Medal of the Royal Aeronautical Society for work on aircraft plastics and also the Griffith Medal of the Materials Science Club for contributions to material science. His book, Structures or Why Things Don't Fall Down, is also published in Penguin.
Professor Gordon died in 1998. In its obituary The Times wrote of him that he was 'one of the founders of materials science' and that he wrote 'two books of outstanding literary quality ... at once entertaining and informative, providing absorbing interest for both expert and student'.
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First Sentence
A structure has been defined as 'any assemblage of materials which is intended to sustain loads', and the study of structures is one of the traditional branches of science. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
A structure has been defined as 'any assemblage of materials which is intended to sustain loads', and the study of structures is one of the traditional branches of science. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a mechanical engineer and during my undergraduate years I was crying out for a book like this. It's easy to read and anyone with even the most basic concept of structures will find it very informative. The author explains why structures are built the way they are and points to the lessons that can be learned from nature. Structures enhanced my appreciation of architecture and has even tauhgt me a few new concepts. I would think it's almost essential for any structural engineer to have a copy. A very enjoyable light read.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The book is a good introduction to engineering of any sort particuly civil or structural. It would be beneficial to anyone about to take A level physics and beyond. It pulls together losts of laws by famous scientists and presents it in different but interesting ways. The language is sometimes quite technical but is easy to understand with some previous knowledge in the subject and or after a few chapters of the book. an enjoyable read intersting read
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a perfect example of the most rarest of all things: a technical book that is an utter joy to read.
I have no engineering, maths or physics beyond GCSEs, and was concerned that the book would quickly go over my head. However, Gordon writes with a clarity and simplicity that makes the material accessible. He discusses the main concepts in structural engineering, and gives hundreds of examples, from plants to skeletons to boats to planes and buildings. Occasionally I got lost by the formulas or discussions of maths , but not only was that very rarely, it was also down to my own ignorance.
The real joy of this book is Gordon himself: his personality comes across wonderfully in the text, and I was often left chuckling at his remarks. I'd never expected to laugh when reading a book on engineering. I've read many novels which couldn't compare to this book, in terms of the writing skill of the author. The final chapter, on the philosophy of chapters, is outstanding.
I can't recommend this book enough, whether you're specificly looking for a book on engineering, or whether you're simply looking for your next book.
I have no engineering, maths or physics beyond GCSEs, and was concerned that the book would quickly go over my head. However, Gordon writes with a clarity and simplicity that makes the material accessible. He discusses the main concepts in structural engineering, and gives hundreds of examples, from plants to skeletons to boats to planes and buildings. Occasionally I got lost by the formulas or discussions of maths , but not only was that very rarely, it was also down to my own ignorance.
The real joy of this book is Gordon himself: his personality comes across wonderfully in the text, and I was often left chuckling at his remarks. I'd never expected to laugh when reading a book on engineering. I've read many novels which couldn't compare to this book, in terms of the writing skill of the author. The final chapter, on the philosophy of chapters, is outstanding.
I can't recommend this book enough, whether you're specificly looking for a book on engineering, or whether you're simply looking for your next book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
my book
as a structural engineer, i needed a book to help explain technical terms in structures to the lay man and use basic and everyday stuff to explain the behaviour to make them... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Oresanwo Charles Orebola
Structures or why things don't fall down, or.. why a technical book...
I'm a structural engineer and took this book on holiday as a "light read", but I must say I was blown away both with Gordons style and ease of reading. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Paul
Best engineering book ever
If you like science and engineering but aren't keen of smart arse nerd types spouting maths that they don't understand at you, this book is for you. Read more
Published 15 months ago by philamo
Brilliant Book- Can't flaw it
I am currently doing my A-levels in maths and physics hoping to do civil engineering at University. I found this really intersting and it gave me more of an insight into civil... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Johani
Excellent book for anyone interested in structures and how they work.
This book was recommended in college (I am a first year architect student)and I can easily say it doesn't disappoint. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Eva-Lena Hemmingsson
Recommended reading that's not a chore!
Great explanations in a simple sometimes humorous manner. Great read! Would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in the topic.
Published 19 months ago by AP
Great book so far
Very informative so far and giving a little more background information that seems to be lacking in my Open University Books. It also seems to explain the concepts a lot better.
Published 22 months ago by loony767
oldie but goldie
A brilliant book for the engineer and non engineer alike - both will be richly informed by it. It takes a really nice angle to study the subject from and is never dull. Read more
Published on 28 Mar 2010 by Bennets Bridge
Structures: or why things don't fall down
Gives a good idea of how understanding of structures developed over time. Enlightening to see how such great buildings could be built with lots of intuitive understanding, but... Read more
Published on 27 Aug 2009 by George Faller
It really does tell you why things don't fall down
Prof Gordon's really famous work is The New Science of Strong Materials: Or Why You Don't Fall Through the Floor (Pelican). If you haven't read that, you should. Read more
Published on 17 July 2009 by D. Sweetman
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