Now in paperback, this book provides an overview of the physics of condensed matter systems. Assuming a familiarity with the basics of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, the book establishes a general framework for describing condensed phases of matter, based on symmetries and conservation laws. It explores the role of spatial dimensionality and microscopic interactions in determining the nature of phase transitions, as well as discussing the structure and properties of materials with different symmetries. Particular attention is given to critical phenomena and renormalization group methods. The properties of liquids, liquid crystals, quasicrystals, crystalline solids, magnetically ordered systems and amorphous solids are investigated in terms of their symmetry, generalised rigidity, hydrodynamics and topological defect structure. In addition to serving as a course text, this book is an essential reference for students and researchers in physics, applied physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, who are interested in modern condensed matter physics.

‘ … an important achievement … among the book’s pedagogical features are a wealth of daunting problems, a pithy glossary of intimidating terms and concrete descriptions of experiments and technological applications … it will strengthen the understanding by students and researchers for a long time to come.’

Source: Physics Today

‘ … an excellent introduction to the processes by which atoms and molecules become materials and how materials acquire their properties. It is beautifully organized to form the basis of a lecture course.’

Source: Science

‘The present book is especially welcome at a time when we are witnessing vigorous activity in all fields concerned with ‘soft’ matter … It contains a thorough and detailed treatment of all the subjects and is intended also to be suitable as a reference text for active researchers … This book presents a most fortunate blend of theoretical depth and encyclopaedic grasp of phenomenology, while being written in a pedagogically sound and elegant manner … a well-written, thorough, modern book on soft condensed matter physics that I wholeheartedly recommend to everybody with an interest in this subject.’

Source: Journal of Statistical Physics

‘… a thoroughly forward-looking modern book which focuses on the ever-expanding area in between traditional condensed matter physics and statistical mechanics … This is a very well written text which should prove a handy reference …’.

C. C. Matthai Source: European Journal of Physics