'The perfect textbook for students and teachers who want to understand the use of non-destructive acoustic techniques in the evaluation of material properties in general, and phase transitions in particular. Each subject covered in the book is given a rigorous mathematical treatment, accompanied by relevant references. This book will be especially valuable for advanced undergraduate-graduate level students, and for practicing scientists.' Ricardo B. Schwarz, Los Alamos National Laboratory, US National Academy of Engineering 'We expected a top-quality treatment from Professor Leisure, and we received one. The author shows a keen eye for breadth - depth balance and a critical eye for including all essentials and excluding bothersome details. The book blends basic principles with fresh research topics successfully and Professor Leisure achieves a harmonious, well-integrated, balanced mix of measurement and theory and range of topics. Students will enjoy this easy-reading book and old-hands will want this book on their shelf.' Hassel Ledbetter, Engineering and Applied Sciences College, University of Colorado 'The book covers expected subjects such as continuum mechanics of elastic solids, the acoustic approximation and the elastic constants, experimental methods, and ultrasound attenuation ... [this review recommends] this book for anyone entering the field of ultrasonics in solids, the book should be acquired as a ready reference by scientists and engineers who have already been working the field.' J. D. Maynard, The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America