Provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of ceramics, with a distinct focus on physics and chemistry. The author offers introductory coverage that presents equations derived from first principles with an emphasis on the physics of the problem. The first nine chapters of the book deal with bonding, structure and the physical and chemical properties of ceramics - determined primarily by the type of bonding rather than the microstructure. Chapters 11-16 consider properties that are more microstructure dependent, such as fracture toughness, optical, magnetic and dielectric properties.