Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down

Gordon’s book remains an indispensable guide for both early students of civil and structural engineering as well as anyone interested in structures. It’s not heavy on mathematics, it explains basic themes like stress and strain better than any other serious publication, and is full of interesting facts. Unlike most engineering publications, it is written beautifully with warmth, humour, respect for the intelligence of the reader, and no little literary skill. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

The recipient is in 3rd year engineering and thoroughly enjoying this book in that it brings old and new back to the basic math and even makes it as simple as possible for the layman .. He tells me a great choice and a most interesting read

Bought to replace a dog-eared copy of a well-written, informative read.

I'm a structural engineer and took this book on holiday as a "light read", but I must say I was blown away both with Gordons style and ease of reading. I didn't expect to actually learn anything, but I did - and quite a bit too.His explanation of the maths involved was quite refreshing; very gentle introduction with many steps along the way. I very much enjoyed the classical foundation to many of the chapters.If you have even the slightest interest in engineering, I recommend this book wholeheartedly. If you have any hesitation because you may think this book too heavy or technical, then I say NO. It is a superbly written teatise of the histroy and breadth of structural engineering with a lot of history thrown in. You'll never look at a a simple arch the same way :)A superb book.

This present was a gift, but the person who received them said it’s very informative and funny. This was also recommended by professionals.

I read this book many years ago, and found it fascinating then. A re-read proves what a really amusing and lucid insight into engineering basics it really is. JE Gordon manages to maintain a style that is avuncular and engaging and manages to avoid most of the maths! The best I've ever come across.

First read it in the very late 80s when at University. A readable, informative intro to the topic then. Amazingly, still as good and relevant now.

Interesting and thought provoking

The book I wanted to have one. It helped me to jump to the next level for which I was struggling for years. Now I am able to write something of my interest and put a meaning in that.

Good book. Recommend.

Este libro es una locura, cotilleando sobre el autor descubrí que fue un profesor de materiales y su comportamiento en la universidad mucho tiempo. Yo he tenido profesores de materiales en mi paso por la universidad y… este libro te va a contar todo lo que te gustaría que te hubieran contado. No me entiendas mal, no acabarás sabiendo calcular estructuras, ni de lejos. No habla de matemáticas, ni de ecuaciones, a duras penas hay 5 ecuaciones en todo el libro. Lo que si hallarás es, que es una estructura, como funcionan desde una perspectiva basada en la experiencia y en sentido común. Empezarás estudiando problemas que los primeros científicos de materiales se fueron encontrando, aprenderás de Newton, Hooke, Young y entenderás por que hicieron lo que hicieron, como si te lo contara un colega en un bar tomando un café. Nivel de inglés recomendado… pues entorno a un B2, si tienes un C1 mejor. Verás muchas expresiones escritas francamente interesantes, ya analizando simplemente la gramática y no el contenido en sí. En definitiva, creo que voy a comprar 5 ejemplares más y los guardaré para ir regalando a gente a la que aprecia y le guste la ingeniería como a mi 🤷🏼‍♂️.

In terms of Amazon's shipping and quality: the norm. Fast and came in pristine condition. Ordered the paperback copy.The book itself is a great read for someone interested in learning the history behind structural engineering, and how these concepts relate to the function of the human body as well as animals. For example looking at the shape and placement of bird wings and bones within the wing and the function and material properties of the skin and feather and what they contribute to a bird's ability to fly but also be protected from harm.A recommended reading for someone interested in engineering, physics, and history. It does deal with theory, but in a VERY practical way with the aid of diagrams and algebraic formulas. I used this as a learning tool to get a better practical feel for structural/ statics concepts (as an engineering student not focused in Civil or Mechanical engineering by academic discipline). Was a very insightful book.

The book was in perfect shape and the delivery was fast af