This applications-oriented introduction to the theory of elasticity fills an important gap in the field of solid mechanics. The book is intended to provide a thorough grounding in the tensor-based theory of elasticity for students of mechanical, civil, or aeronautical engineering. Students will thus not only be able to apply the basic notions of mechanics to such important topics as stress analysis, they will also acquire the necessary background for more advanced work in elasticity, plasticity, shell theory, and finite element mechanics. This second edition has been thoroughly revised and brought up to date. New chapters discuss the bending of thin plates, time-dependent effects, and strength and failure criteria.