Mathematical Models for Elastic Structures
Piero Villaggio
Cambridge University Press
This is a compendium of the recent research literature on mathematical methods in structural mechanics. Judging by the bibiograpghy, the author himself has contributed nothing or next to nothing to this subject, leaving the informed reader wondering why he chose to write this particular book. The expert reader familiar with the literature will notice the author's overly strong reliance on the literal texts of research papers, to the extent that the style and even notation vary from one section to another. Thus the book reads like a superficial transcription of the work of others. The author has made little or no effort to synthesize the literature into a coherent exposition. This is a particular disappointment given the author's strong reputation as a researcher. Thus, what emerges is a rather disjoint and haphazard review of the works of those papers which the author finds appealing, without any sign of a common theme nor any hint of discernment. The book stands in stark contrast to a number of excellent and thoughtful monographs written by those who have actually contributed to the subject. Those who know the author's excellent research papers in other fields of Mechanics will feel sorely disppointed.