When the first edition of this weighty volume was published, many teachers of A and AS Design and Technology welcomed a textbook which set out to provide full coverage of current syllabuses. At last we had a readable book which gave students confidence at the start of what for many was a daunting course. Given the pace of technological development, it was inevitable that changes would be required and we now have a revised and updated second edition.

What has been added? There is a new section outlining the impact of technological change on society and the environment. Further additions reflect the increasing use of IT in the design and manufacture of technological products.

Each chapter includes assignments taken from recent examination papers and numerous worked examples in relevant areas. The black and white illustrations of extracts from student portfolios, while lacking the impact of colour and thus not always doing justice to the high standard of work, provide a useful indication to students of what others studying similar courses have achieved.

The book should be essential reading for every A and AS-level student who wants to understand the scientific principles and technological areas of knowledge which underpin the subject. It could also be a useful reference text for GNVQ manufacturing and engineering students. With the current revision of A-level criteria it is to be hoped that the level of demand and rigour evident in this book will be maintained.