Foundations of Crystallography with Computer Applications 3rd Edition

 Foundations of Crystallography is an extraordinary detailed account into the key concepts needed to gain a firm understanding in crystallography. 

The text is indeed authoritative ; dedicating a great many pages to the subject in comparison to other texts on the subject. This is to its credit, as it presents a much more detailed and precise description than its competitors. One example where this is evidently exhibited is in the introductory chapters. 

In my own experience, I have never seen a book on condensed matter physics describe so painstakingly  what lattices are and the symmetries which they possess. This is supported by numerous illustrations and worked examples. In particular, this text makes great use of colour in images to distinguish different properties, structures and aspects of crystallography. This is indeed rare in the field and to my knowledge there exists no other text book on the subject that is as well illustrated as this one. This point is symptomatic of the lack of new or indeed pedological offerings on the subject; which is has remained evermore so important to the physical sciences. 

An additional feature which makes this text stand out from the rest is the supplied code repository which allows for students to see how the techniques they've seen in theory can utilised practically. I commend the authors in writing this code in python (a programming language which is becoming increasingly essential to the education), which allows for easy integration into any degree course.  

Finally, this text is complete in its presentation. When ever mathematical initiation is needed  (such as linear algebra and group theory), it is introduced in a way which is accessible to the student,  no matter their background. The authors provide detailed examples for each of the different crystal systems, beyond the usual basic ones given in other texts. Furthermore, there is also suggestion for further reading and projects the students can undertake. 



Foundations of Crystallography with Computer Applications 3rd Edition 

by Maureen M. Julian, Carla Slebodnick and Francis T. Julian 

ISBN: 9781032439426

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