Finite Elements: Theory, fast solvers and applications in solid mechanics, 2nd edn

The presented book is a well-established and highly rated work. It is a relatively rare example of a text that appeals simultaneously to finite element users and code developers. Its credentials as a postgraduate textbook are without doubt and I believe it is widely recommended as such. One great advantage of the book is that it explains the fundamentals of the finite element method from the very basics up to sufficiently great depth. The skilfully designed problems allow the reader to reach relatively effortlessly the required level of depth in knowledge. It is essential to point out that the monograph fills an important market niche. It is focused on the theoretical soundness of computational techniques and the reliability of the theoretical assumptions. This is an essential service to the computational researchers in the days of almost total domination of `black box' commercial software that claims to provide solutions for virtually any existing applied mathematics problem without a hint of any potential problems or insufficient accuracy. The text is strictly focused on elliptical differential equations that represent by far the most common problems in the applied mechanics field. The structure of the book allows the reader to strictly differentiate between theoretical models and computational methods for solving these problems. Both parts are equally well presented and very clear for reading. However, I would strongly recommend that the author adds a small paragraph at the end of the chapters referring to well-established and easy-to-understand textbooks for readers who are somewhat deficient in their knowledge of advanced mathematical issues such as norms, spaces etc. Such an addition would widen the appeal of the book and make it more approachable to more application-minded readers. The second recommendation I would like to make is the use of bold font for vector and matrix variables, as at the moment it is not straightforward to recognize those variables. In conclusion, I strongly recommend this book.