Benson Tongue takes a refreshingly informal approach to the understanding and analysis of vibrations. He strikes the right balance between detail and accessibility, offering in-depth analysis and a friendly writing style. Beginning with classical subjects, e.g., single degree of freedom systems, the text moves into more modern material, emphasizing multiple degree of freedom systems. Numerous problems challenge students to think and analyze outcomes of various techniques employed.

Additional modal analysis and linear algebra are incorporated to solve problems, utilizing but not requiring MATLAB. Another innovative feature of the text is a chapter devoted to "Seat of the Pants Engineering," which brings together some of the common approaches engineers use to get a quick answer or to verify an analysis. At the same time, he applies them to all the systems that have been discussed in earlier chapters.

Principles of Vibration is an ideal text for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical, civil, and aeronautical engineering departments.