Choice Review

This is a well-written course resource on surface science, coauthored by Somorjai, who has been internationally recognized for his work in the field, and Li (both, Univ. of California, Berkeley). This second edition (1st ed., 1994) adds information on studies of nanomaterials, and contains a new chapter on polymer and biopolymer interfaces. The volume lacks a separate chapter on instrumental methods; information is provided throughout, showing how the field has moved away from ultrahigh vacuum methods. The authors do a good job of presenting very useful information both for those new to the field and those familiar with it. Closing "Summary and Concepts" for each chapter are helpful, as are the problems; however, problem solutions, contained in the first edition, are no longer provided. Though this work incorporates new information, much of the content is very similar to that of the earlier edition. For example, almost half of the book is composed of tables; for many of them, there are no accompanying references newer than 1990. Thus, it may be difficult to justify purchase of the second edition if libraries already own the 1994 work. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. J. Allison The College of New Jersey