'an essential toolkit for aerogel chemistry encompassing both physics principles and engineering practices, suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. The 14 well-conceived, masterfully executed chapters cover chemical synthesis, density, gels and gelation, morphology, and thermal and mechanical properties. Five useful appendixes offer more-rigorous mathematical treatments of selected topics in polymer physics and thermodynamics. For more than just the fun of it, the authors thoughtfully include preparative recipes for cooking up something of an aerogel storm. Nice! And the book is nicely priced. Highly recommended.' L. W. Fine, Choice Connect