This handy yet authoritative reference work provides essential information on alloys in one compact volume. Classification, properties, preparation, applications, and economic aspects are discussed for alloy steels, primary-metal alloys, light-metal alloys, and other alloy systems. The work is based on the effort of over 60 specialists, supplying hundreds of top-quality illustrations, diagrams, and charts and provides hand-picked references for further study. An introductory overview of the subject is provided by the editor.