Intended to acquaint the reader with the theory of x-ray diffraction, the experimental methods involved, and the main applications. The book is a collection of principles and methods stressing X-ray diffraction rather than metallurgy. KEY TOPICS: The book is written entirely in terms of the Bragg law and can be read without any knowledge of the reciprocal lattice. It is divided into three main parts--Fundamentals; experimental methods; and applications. MARKET: Designed for beginners, not as a reference tool for the advanced reader.