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Reviews (2)
07 Jun, 2006
A good mid-level book
I needed this book as a reference for a polymer rheology course in grad school. It is written at a good level for someone who needs to learn about rheology but isn't doing their PhD in that area. Less technical and mathematical than Ferry's book, and very useful.
11 Dec, 2006
A conversation with a professor
I recommend this book for people interested in science, and specific training in materials science or engineering is unnecessary. As the title suggests, the author explains WHY things break with emphasis on the fact that HOW and WHY are not the same question. Along the way the author wanders off into his personal experiences in graduate school and beyond. These anecdotes integrate the science into a personal story and quest for understanding. Although the book was entertaining, and I enjoyed reading a story about science, towards the end I began to tire of the author's incessant self-congratulatory comments. They reminded me of a similar air I have encountered in my own interactions with college professors. As such, they were somewhat endearing. Enjoy!