At the time of its publication this classic text, co-written by the Nobel Laureate Max Born, represented the definitive account of the subject and in many ways it still does. The book begins with a general discussion of the statistical mechanics of ideal lattices, leading to the electric polarizability and to the scattering of light. It then provides detailed discussions of long lattice waves, thermal properties, and optical properties. "Extraordinarily general and sound introduction. . .a standard work that is indispensible to all working in this field." -- Die Naturwissenschaften "The book can be highly recommended not only for its excellent survey on the particular subject but also for the clear presentation of important mathematical methods which should be of use in other subjects as well." -- British Journal of Applied Physics Max Born is at University of Edinburgh. Huang Kun is at Beijing University.