Stewart (Math, U. of Strathclyde, Glasgow) prepared this text for graduate students of applied mathematics, theoretical physics, and engineering. Introductory material sets the scene for later chapters which cover, in turn, the features and applications of the static theory and dynamic theory of nematics, including extensive derivations as a way to communicate to readers how to apply the results from continuum theory to practical problems. The final chapter, an introduction to the theory of smectic C liquid crystals, does not give as many detailed computations; as the author explains, "smectic liquid crystals have some uniquely different mathematical problems..." and detailed coverage is beyond the scope of this volume.