This is a timely book … In general, materials scientists and engineers venturing into the world of nano-structures should read this book as a general introduction to a fascinating field.
-T. M Sabine, Consultant Physicist, The Physicist
It is an entertaining introduction to the field for both specialists and the more general public.
-Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie
This book is full of goodies. It is a romp through and around sphere packings and its relatives. From the catchy titles of the sections to the charming photographs, anecdotes, verses, quotes, snipettes of philosophy there is so much to enjoy … All the diagrams and the many photographs of models are excellent.
-William Moser, Zentralblatt Math
This is an excellent read!
-Short Book Reviews
The book is a treasure trove of intriguing examples, often accompanied by useful illustrations. …We are very fortunate to have available the book by Aste and Weaire, a real gem, which can be enjoyed by all audiences with at least some college experience.
-The Mathematical Association of American
In 1998 Thomas Hales dramatically announced the solution of a problem that has long teased eminent mathematicians: what is the densest possible arrangement of identical spheres? The Pursuit of Perfect Packing recounts the story of this problem and many others that have to do with packing things together. The examples are taken from mathematics, physics, biology, and engineering, including the arrangement of soap bubbles in foam, atoms in a crystal, the architecture of the bee's honeycomb, and the structure of the Giant's Causeway. Using an informal style and with key references, the book also includes brief accounts of the lives of many of the scientists who devoted themselves to problems of packing over many centuries, together with wry comments on their efforts. It is an entertaining introduction to the field for both specialists and the more general public.
