Electrons and phonons. Reprint (Q2741550)

Oxford University Press is reissuing this celebrated classic science text, first published in 1960 (see Zbl 0088.24004 for a review). Since 1960 it has been reprinted many times, unchanged and unabridged.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEFirst, the book is of historic significance since it represents a milestone in the development of the theory of transport phenomena in solids. The focus is on collective phenomena, in which electricity (via electrons) and heat (via phonons) are carried through the structure of a solid. Ionic conductivity and superconductivity are left out, since they presumably deserve a volume on their own.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINESecond, the book is a pleasure to read, owing to its remarkable eloquence and clarity of presentation. However, it is neither a book on solid state physics as a whole nor an up-to-date (year 2002) account of its subject. The bulk of the quoted literature is from the period 1940-58.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEThird, Ziman himself was actively involved and contributed substantially to the advancement of science. It is due to him that we better understand the various aspects of transport theory. We all hope that the reprint still serves this purpose for a new generation of readers.