Structures - 2nd Edition by J E Gordon (Paperback)

About the Book

"This Da Capo Press paperback edition of Strcutures: or why things don't fall down is an unabridged republication of the first edition published in London in 1978. It is reprinted by arrangement with Penguin Books Ltd."--Title page verso.

Book Synopsis

For anyone who has ever wondered why suspension bridges don't collapse under eight lanes of traffic, how dams hold back-or give way under-thousands of gallons of water, or what principles guide the design of a skyscraper or a kangaroo, this book will ease your anxiety and answer your questions. J. E. Gordon strips engineering of its confusing technical terms, communicating its founding principles in accessible, witty prose.

Review Quotes

"Here we have the conversation in the unbuttoned mood of a learned engineer with wide sympathies about his art, its history, its range, and the silly things which happen. It reads easily and has immense charm."--Architect's Journal

"It is really, really good if you want a primer on structural design."--Elon Musk

"Rich and readable...personal, witty, and ironic."--Scientific American

About the Author

J. E. Gordon, formerly a professor at the University of Reading, was renowned for his research in plastics, crystals, and new materials.