Rolf E. Hummel is a Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. He received his Ph.D (Dr. rer.nat.) in 1963 from the University of Stuttgart, Germany and the Max-Planck Institute for Materials Research, also in Stuttgart. He has been at the University of Florida since graduation, only interrupted by Sabbatical stays in Japan, Korea, China, New Zealand, France, Vietnam, Germany, and Colorado. His previous publications include Optical Properties of Metals and Alloys (1971), Electro-and Thermo-Transport in Metals and Alloys (ed.),(1977), the two-volume Handbook of Optical Properties (ed.), (1996), and Understanding Materials Science 2nd Ed. (2004). His books are widely appraised for their easy understandability.

• Part I: Fundamentals of Electron Theory: Introduction. Wave Properties of Electrons. The Schroedinger Equation. Solution of the Schroedinger Equation for Four Specific Problems. Energy Bands in Crystals. Electrons in a Crystal.- Part II: Electrical Properties of Materials: Electrical Conduction in Metals and Alloys. Semiconductors. Electrical Properties of Polymers, Ceramics, Dielectrics and Amorphous Materials.- Part III: Optical Properties of Materials: The Optical Constants. Atomistic Theory of the Optical Properties. Quantum Mechanical Treatment of the Optical Properties. Applications.- Part IV: Magnetic Properties of Materials: Foundations of Magnetism. Magnetic Phenomena and Their Interpretation - Classical Approach. Quantum Mechanical Considerations. Applications.- Part V: Thermal Properties of Materials: Introduction. Fundamentals of Thermal Properties. Heat Capacity. Thermal Conduction. Thermal Expansion.- Appendices.- Index.

From the reviews of the fourth edition: "This is an excellent book for materials and electrical engineers, as well as advanced students. This book is divided into five distinct and self-contained parts, which makes it easier for the reader to find information on a particular area of interest. ... contains many applications and problems that help to bridge the gap between physics and engineering. ... For practicing engineers, this would be a good reference book. It would also be useful for someone looking to gain an overall concept of device physics." (Ishtiaque Ahmed, Optics & Photonics News, April, 2012)