'the presentation is succinct ... and immensely enjoyable'Gyaneshwar Srivastava, University of Exeter, Physics World, April 1994

• Introduction ; 1. The diatomic molecule ; 2. From the finite to the infinite ; 3. Into 2 and 3 dimensions ; 4. Band gaps: origins and consequences ; 5. s-p bonding - a case study in silicon ; 6. Free electron theory ; 7. Properties of free electron metals ; 8. The transition metals ; 9. Structural stability of compounds ; 10. Introduction to modern quantitative theory ; 11. Where band theory breaks down ; 12. References ; 13. Problems ; 14. Sample examination questions ; Index