The book shows how an understanding of crystal structures, both inorganic and organic may be built up from simple ideas of atomic and molecular packing. Beginning with (two dimensional) examples of patterns and tilings, the concepts of lattices, symmetry point and space groups are developed. 'Penrose' tilings and quasiperiodic structures are also included. The reciprocal lattice and its importance in understanding the geometry of light, X-ray and electron diffraction patterns is explained in simple terms, leading to Fourier analysis in diffraction, crystal structure determination, image formation and the diffraction-limited resolution in these techniques. Practical X-ray and electron diffraction techniques and their applications are described. A recurring theme is the common principles: the techniques are not treated in isolation.

The fourth edition has been revised throughout, and includes new sections on Fourier analysis, Patterson maps, direct methods, charge flipping, group theory in crystallography, and a new chapter on the description of physical properties of crystals by tensors (Chapter 14).