--- product_id: 2715669 title: "Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down" price: "β‚±2127" currency: PHP in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.ph/products/2715669-structures-or-why-things-dont-fall-down store_origin: PH region: Philippines --- # Comprehensive Guide In-depth Analysis Critical Thinking Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down **Price:** β‚±2127 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > πŸ“– Build Your Knowledge, Build Your Future! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down - **How much does it cost?** β‚±2127 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.ph](https://www.desertcart.ph/products/2715669-structures-or-why-things-dont-fall-down) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Elevate Your Knowledge Base:** Perfect for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding. - β€’ **Master the Art of Engineering:** Learn from real-world examples and expert insights. - β€’ **Join a Community of Innovators:** Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about engineering. - β€’ **Unlock the Secrets of Stability:** Dive into the principles that keep structures standing tall. - β€’ **Engage with Thought-Provoking Concepts:** Challenge your perceptions of design and functionality. ## Overview Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down is an essential read for anyone interested in the principles of engineering and architecture. This book offers a thorough exploration of the mechanics behind stability, providing readers with a solid foundation in structural design and critical thinking. ## Description In a book that Business Insider noted as one of the "14 Books that inspired Elon Musk," J.E. Gordon strips engineering of its confusing technical terms, communicating its founding principles in accessible, witty prose. For anyone who has ever wondered why suspension bridges don't collapse under eight lanes of traffic, how dams hold back--or give way under--thousands of gallons of water, or what principles guide the design of a skyscraper, a bias-cut dress, or a kangaroo, this book will ease your anxiety and answer your questions. Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down is an informal explanation of the basic forces that hold together the ordinary and essential things of this world--from buildings and bodies to flying aircraft and eggshells. In a style that combines wit, a masterful command of his subject, and an encyclopedic range of reference, Gordon includes such chapters as "How to Design a Worm" and "The Advantage of Being a Beam," offering humorous insights in human and natural creation. Architects and engineers will appreciate the clear and cogent explanations of the concepts of stress, shear, torsion, fracture, and compression. If you're building a house, a sailboat, or a catapult, here is a handy tool for understanding the mechanics of joinery, floors, ceilings, hulls, masts--or flying buttresses. Without jargon or oversimplification, Structures opens up the marvels of technology to anyone interested in the foundations of our everyday lives. Review: A 'for the educated layperson' introduction to materials science. by a founder of the field. - If you are the kind of person who enjoys Scientific American articles, or the summary articles and news at SCIENCE/AAAS or "Nature", you will almost certainly enjoy and find this book quite accessible. This book introduced me to the concept of energy and "the work of fracture" in the propagation of cracks. It is one of my favorite 'for the educated layperson' books on materials science. I am not an engineer or technician, but have taken college (non calculus) physics, and used simple algebra at work (medical). Gordon was one of the founders of materials science as a field, and he was quite important in the development of plywood body airplanes in WWII, so he had plenty of experience in mission critical engineering in the real world, contrary to the implication of remarks expressed here by others about a 'bitter academic' . British scientific discourse is more 'robustly' opinionated than US, so some may find his more acerbic comments annoying, but i found the book extremely readable, witty, and the small bits of simple algebra are fine for anyone with junior high or high school math exposure. If you want a bit more technical discussions, look for the books by Steven Vogel, who writes for the college educated non specialist or introductory undergraduate courses. The popular science level Vogel books do contain some math, but no calculus IIRCl. I own and enjoyed a bunch of them, and I am certainly no mathematical athlete. As far as this book goes, I can't imagine discussing the concepts in it any more simply and accessibly. I own a used copy that was sufficiently beat up that I bought a second new copy of the paperback out of nostalgic respect. I keep considering buying a hardback copy and reading it for a third time. If you want a graphically more exciting discussing of the same area, by the same author, look for the Scientific American Library book Structures and Materials, which covers many of the same topics, and is equally enjoyable and accessible for those with genuine interest and a decent high school education. For folks who find either of these Gordon books "too technical", I wonder what they were expecting in a book about structures and materials. Gordon's other book "The New Science of Strong Materials" is equally excellent for those with a real interest in the area, and similarly simple in the level of math employed. Review: Good book - Good product ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #4,848 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #1 in Structural Engineering #2 in Architectural Materials #8 in Architecture (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,119 Reviews | ## Images ![Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wBpkY6ktL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A 'for the educated layperson' introduction to materials science. by a founder of the field. *by T***E on October 17, 2025* If you are the kind of person who enjoys Scientific American articles, or the summary articles and news at SCIENCE/AAAS or "Nature", you will almost certainly enjoy and find this book quite accessible. This book introduced me to the concept of energy and "the work of fracture" in the propagation of cracks. It is one of my favorite 'for the educated layperson' books on materials science. I am not an engineer or technician, but have taken college (non calculus) physics, and used simple algebra at work (medical). Gordon was one of the founders of materials science as a field, and he was quite important in the development of plywood body airplanes in WWII, so he had plenty of experience in mission critical engineering in the real world, contrary to the implication of remarks expressed here by others about a 'bitter academic' . British scientific discourse is more 'robustly' opinionated than US, so some may find his more acerbic comments annoying, but i found the book extremely readable, witty, and the small bits of simple algebra are fine for anyone with junior high or high school math exposure. If you want a bit more technical discussions, look for the books by Steven Vogel, who writes for the college educated non specialist or introductory undergraduate courses. The popular science level Vogel books do contain some math, but no calculus IIRCl. I own and enjoyed a bunch of them, and I am certainly no mathematical athlete. As far as this book goes, I can't imagine discussing the concepts in it any more simply and accessibly. I own a used copy that was sufficiently beat up that I bought a second new copy of the paperback out of nostalgic respect. I keep considering buying a hardback copy and reading it for a third time. If you want a graphically more exciting discussing of the same area, by the same author, look for the Scientific American Library book Structures and Materials, which covers many of the same topics, and is equally enjoyable and accessible for those with genuine interest and a decent high school education. For folks who find either of these Gordon books "too technical", I wonder what they were expecting in a book about structures and materials. Gordon's other book "The New Science of Strong Materials" is equally excellent for those with a real interest in the area, and similarly simple in the level of math employed. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good book *by D***O on May 1, 2026* Good product ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Entertaining, educational, but could be deeper for experts. *by S***G on April 20, 2025* Bought this to learn more about the engineering behind buildings and structures. What I like β€’ The book breaks down complex engineering concepts in a simple and entertaining way. β€’ Engaging examples and clear illustrations help visualize how structures work. β€’ Provides a deeper understanding of the science behind everyday buildings and objects. What could be better β€’ Some sections may feel a bit too simplified for readers with a technical background. β€’ Could benefit from more in-depth case studies of real-world structures. β€’ The pacing may slow down in certain areas for readers seeking a quicker overview. Bottom line: A great read for anyone curious about how structures stand the test of time, but may not offer enough depth for those with engineering expertise. Perfect for beginners and general readers, but look for more technical resources if you’re seeking advanced knowledge. ## Frequently Bought Together - Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down - Engineering in Plain Sight: An Illustrated Field Guide to the Constructed Environment - The New Science of Strong Materials: Or Why You Don't Fall through the Floor (Princeton Science Library) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.ph/products/2715669-structures-or-why-things-dont-fall-down](https://www.desertcart.ph/products/2715669-structures-or-why-things-dont-fall-down) --- *Product available on Desertcart Philippines* *Store origin: PH* *Last updated: 2026-05-28*