".... this presents a summary and an overview on all aspects of preparation production and light microscopy. Therefore, it is a valuable working media for everybody who works in daily practice on this subject: with metallic, ceramic, polymer, mineral or as well with biological preparations. At the beginning, manifold possibilities of sampling and preparation are presented. Thus, the user can choose easily the appropriate method for the set of object of investigation. Possibilities and causes of inaccuracy are also mentioned in order to help avoid misinterpretations. The next big issue is concentrated on the microscope and microscopy. Construction and mode of action of the microscope will be defined and the possibilities and boundaries of the various imaging procedures will be presented. Due to the special importance for polymer materials, a great section of the book is dedicated to the description and the collection of optic datasets form materials. The evaluation of additional material characteristics, such as done with the micro hardness measurement, is mentioned in detail, too; inaccuracy potentials and boundaries are always displayed. In the segments of documentation methods and image processing a development of image documentation is shown, followed by a full description of nowadays used methods and their functionality. Important aspects of taking the optimal image quality are there in the spotlight. In connection with the mentioned continuative literature this work illustrates an important piece of “metallographic–books” and it is also highly recommended for studies, as well as for the daily practical application. Ms. Dr. S. Mücklich, Technical University of Chemnitz, chair in composite materials „The Work describes very much in detail the technical applications of microscopic techniques, as well as the use of optical data in correlation to material properties. All important areas are presented in detail and are up-to-date with the latest developments of science and technology… The microscopic technique is treated for all basic materials and subject matter groups with regard to praxis-oriented examples and comprehensive impressive graphic materials. The work is for the industrial use, …as well as a study book for students of material sciences and process engineering, outstandingly appropriate even for students of medical technology and biotechnology for example. The application-orientated illustration and meanwhile, the rational presented scientific basics of microscopic techniques are also exemplary for natural products, for materials and even so helpful for raw materials and along new material groups like compounds...“ Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. R. Schnabel, Martin-Luther-University, Center for engineering technologies, professorship fluid mechanics / rheology