29 Best Solid State Books of All Time

We've ranked the best solid state books using expert recommendations, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. At Shortform, we know books. Our book guides are the best in the world. Learn why.

The Fourth Phase of Water: Beyond Solid, Liquid, and Vapor book cover1

The Fourth Phase of Water: Beyond Solid, Liquid, and Vapor

Gerald H. Pollack

5.0
World renowned scientist, Dr. Gerald Pollack, takes us on a fantastic voyage through water, showing us a hidden universe teeming with physical activity - providing simple explanations for common everyday phenomena, which you have inevitably seen but not really understood.

For instance, have you ever wondered. . .

How do clouds made up of dense water droplets manage to float in the sky? Why don't you
2

Change It!: Solids, Liquids, Gases and You

Adrienne Mason, Claudia Dávila

5.0
Developed with the cooperation of a science consultant, this book in the Primary Physical Science series is a tool to teach the physical sciences to young children. Change It! takes the physics of matter --- solids, liquids and gases --- and transforms it into an enjoyable and easy-to-understand first science book.
Solid State Chemistry and Its Applications book cover3

Solid State Chemistry and Its Applications

Anthony R. West

5.0
Solid State Chemistry and its Applications, 2nd Edition: Student Edition is an extensive update and sequel to the bestselling textbook Basic Solid State Chemistry, the classic text for undergraduate teaching in solid state chemistry worldwide.

Solid state chemistry lies at the heart of many significant scientific advances from recent decades, including the discovery of high-temperature superconduct
4

What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, Paul Meisel

5.0
Let's-Read-and-Find-Out About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. . . . Read on to find out more about the three states of matter.
The Oxford Solid State Basics book cover5

The Oxford Solid State Basics

Steven H. Simon

4.9
The study of solids is one of the richest, most exciting, and most successful branches of physics. While the subject of solid state physics is often viewed as dry and tedious this new book presents the topic instead as an exciting exposition of fundamental principles and great intellectual breakthroughs. Beginning with a discussion of how the study of heat capacity of solids ushered in the quantum
6

Solid State Physics

Neil W. Ashcroft, N. David Mermin

4.9
This book provides an introduction to the field of solid state physics for undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, engineering, and materials science.
7

Problems in Solid State Physics with Solutions

Fuxiang Han

4.9
8

Electronic Properties of Doped Semiconductors

B.I. Shklovskii

4.9
Solid State Chemistry: An Introduction book cover9

Solid State Chemistry: An Introduction

Lesley E. Smart, Elaine A. Moore

4.9
Intended for first- and second-year undergraduates, this introduction to solid state chemistry includes practical examples of applications and modern developments to offer students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-life situations. The third edition of Solid State Chemistry: An Introduction has been comprehensively revised and updated. Building a foundation with a thorough descripti
10

Ion-Solid Interactions: Fundamentals and Applications

Nastasi/Mayer/Hirvonen

4.9
Modern technology depends on materials with precisely controlled properties. Ion beams are an excellent way to achieve controlled modification of surface and near-surface regions. In every integrated circuit production line, for example, there are ion implantation systems. In addition to integrated circuit technology, ion beams can modify the mechanical, tribological, and chemical properties of me
Transmission Electron Microscopy: A Textbook for Materials Science book cover11

Transmission Electron Microscopy: A Textbook for Materials Science

David B. Williams

4.9
This profusely illustrated text on Transmission Electron Microscopy provides the necessary instructions for successful hands-on application of this versatile materials characterization technique. The new edition also includes an extensive collection of questions for the student, providing approximately 800 self-assessment questions and over 400 questions suitable for homework assignment.
12

Introduction to Microelectronic Fabrication: Volume 5 of Modular Series on Solid State Devices

Richard C. Jaeger

4.9
This introductory book assumes minimal knowledge of the existence of integrated circuits and of the terminal behavior of electronic components such as resistors, diodes, and MOS and bipolar transistors. It presents to readers the basic information necessary for more advanced processing and design books. KEY TOPICS: Focuses mainly on the basic processes used in fabrication, including lithography,
13

All about Matter

Mari Schuh

4.9
It's everywhere. It's a solid, a liquid, or a gas. Read more to find out the facts on matter.
14

Fundamentals of the Theory of Metals

A. A. Abrikosov

4.9
This comprehensive primer by a Nobel Physicist covers the electronic spectra of metals, electrical and thermal conductivities, galvanomagnetic and thermoelectrical phenomena, the behavior of metals in high-frequency fields, sound absorption, and Fermi-liquid phenomena. Addressing in detail all aspects of the energy spectra of electrons in metals and the theory of superconductivity, it continues to
15

Solids, Liquids, and Gases (Rookie Read-About Science)

Ginger Garrett

4.8
The natural world comes alive for young readers with Rookie Read-About Science!
Rookie Read-About Physical Science series introduces the youngest readers (Ages 6-7) to physical science concepts. Each book features critical-thinking questions throughout the text; a simple, hands-on experiment; a glossary and more.
16

Cellular Solids: Structure and Properties

Lorna J. Gibson

4.8
This new edition of a classic work details current understanding of the structure and mechanical behavior of cellular materials, and the ways in which they can be exploited in engineering design. Gibson and Ashby have brought the book completely up to date, including new work on processing of metallic and ceramic foams and on the mechanical, electrical and acoustic properties of cellular solids.
17

Metal Gear Solid

Raymond Benson

4.8
From original story and game by Hideo Kojima, skilled retired FOXHOUND agent Solid Snake returns to his expertise - neutralize an epic crisis. Six deadly FOXHOUND renegades control a nuclear disposal facility on Shadow Moses Island in the icy Aleutians. If their demands are not met, a powerful, top-secret weapon will be unleashed upon the world. The solo mission is to breach the heavily fortified
Solid State Electronic Devices book cover18

Solid State Electronic Devices

Ben Streetman, Sanjay Banerjee

4.8
One of the most widely used introductory books on semiconductor materials, physics, devices and technology, this text aims to: 1) develop basic semiconductor physics concepts, so students can better understand current and future devices; and 2) provide a sound understanding of current semiconductor devices and technology, so that their applications to electronic and optoelectronic circuits and sys
19

The PN Junction Diode: Volume III

Gerold W. Neudeck and Robert F. Pierret

4.8
This text builds a firm foundation in PN junction theory from a conceptual and mathematical viewpoint. The second edition adds a large number of end-of-chapter problems, solved exercises, and a new chapter on metal-semiconductor contacts.
20

Solid State

Jonathan Coulton, Matt Fraction, et al.

4.8
The graphic novel accompaniment (in square-bound, 10 x 10 format) to musician, singer-songwriter, and internet superstar JONATHAN COULTON's new concept album, SOLID STATE.

From JONATHAN COULTON, the singer-songwriter behind Code Monkey and the Portal songs; MATT FRACTION, the writer of SEX CRIMINALS, CASANOVA, and ODY-C; and drawn by the award-winning Spanish artist of Universe! ALBERT MONTEYS come
21

Solid State Physics

J. R. Hook and H. E. Hall

4.8
This Second Edition is aimed at students taking a firstcourse in this subject, although it will also be of interest toprofessional physicists and electronic engineers requiring a graspof the fundamentals of this important area of physics. Basicconcepts are introduced in an easily accessible context: forexample, wave propagation in crystals is introduced using one-andtwo-dimensional geometries. Onl
22

Elementary Solid State Physics: Principles and Applications

M. Ali Omar

4.8
23

Joe-Joe the Wizard Brews Up Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Eric Mark Braun, Robin Oliver Boyden, et al.

4.8
Joe Joe the wizard has a problem. His spell to turn homework into chocolate bars has gone to syrup! Come along to learn how solids, liquids, and gases help Joe Joe with his sticky mess. A fun and engaging way to get young readers engaged in science concepts!
24

Wave Motion in Elastic Solids

Karl F. Graff

4.8
This highly useful textbook presents comprehensive intermediate-level coverage of nearly all major topics of elastic wave propagation in solids. The subjects range from the elementary theory of waves and vibrations in strings to the three-dimensional theory of waves in thick plates. The book is designed not only for a wide audience of engineering students, but also as a general reference for worke
25

Symmetry Principles in Solid State and Molecular Physics

Melvin Lax

4.8
This respected high-level text, aimed at professionals and students working on the theory of solids, is particularly valuable for its application of group theory to solid state and molecular physics. The author — Distinguished Professor of Physics at City College of New York, widely known for his work in optics, lasers, and solid-state physics — devotes the first three chapters to a distillation o
26

Solid State Physics: An Introduction

Philip Hofmann

4.7
A must-have textbook for any undergraduate studying solid state physics.
This successful brief course in solid state physics is now in its second edition. The clear and concise introduction not only describes all the basic phenomena and concepts, but also such advanced issues as magnetism and superconductivity. Each section starts with a gentle introduction, covering basic principles, progressing
27

Solid State Theory

Walter A. Harrison

4.7
This excellent text, ideal for a one-year course in solid state theory, covers electron states, electronic properties of solids, lattice vibrations and atomic properties, the Mott transition, the electronic structure of disordered systems, tunneling, the Kond effect, the fluctuation near critical points, and more.
28

Problems and Solutions on Solid State Physics, Relativity and Miscellaneous Topics

Chung-Kuo K'O Hsueh Chi Shu Ta Hsueh Physics Coaching Class, Lim Yung-kuo, et al.

4.7
The material for this series was selected from the past 20 years' examination questions for graduate students at the University of California (Berkeley), Columbia University, the University of Chicago, MIT, the State University of New York at Buffalo, Princeton University and the University of Wisconsin.This volume comprises 165 problems. The section on Solid State Physics includes crystal structu
29

Metal Gear Solid: Official Mission Handbook (Authorized Official Strategy Guide)

David S. J. Hodgson

4.7