Founder connections
- Bill GatesPositive review with an audience caveat
“it is a very cool book that I recommend.”
Gates recommends the book in his September 19, 2011 review for readers curious about how the physical world holds together. He also says it is not for everyone and that he still needs to study some technical terms.Source
Summary
Gordon explains why materials such as wood, steel and glass behave differently under pressure. He asks why some materials bend while others break, and why practical observations led scientists to study their atomic structure and its imperfections. The book introduces the science behind material strength through familiar engineering questions, including why ships can break in half.
Why read it Our view
Useful for founders who work with physical products and need a clearer view of the materials they use. Ask what a material must withstand, how its structure affects its behavior and which tests support a choice. Use the book to frame questions for engineers rather than to replace their analysis.