When Crystal Growth in Gels (The Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, Pennsylvania, 1970) was published, it was very much a playful ‘first book’ on the subject. Since then, the field as a whole has flourished, both in terms of practical technique and in terms of understanding. Inevitably, the advent of the computer has also left its mark. The present volume was prepared in order to provide an updated summary of our experience. Inter alia, it is intended as a guide to the literature, but it should not be taken as an encyclopedic or exhaustive evaluation of previously published material.

I am indebted to the late Dr. V. Vand for introducing me to the subject of crystal growth in gels in the 1960s and to many friends for their collaboration, their advice and, above all, for their forebearance in the face of enthusiasm. On this occasion, I would like to express special thanks to colleagues who have so generously contributed new illustrative material to this edition: J. Adair, H. Arend, S. K. Arora, H. Behm, A. S. Bhalla, B. Březina, J. F. Charnell, J. M. García-Ruiz, M. T. George, E. S. Halberstadt, J. Hanoka, F. Lefaucheux, P. Ramasamy and J. Ross. I owe a special debt to J. M. Garcia-Ruiz for many stimulating discussions, to Bonny Farmer for the exercise of her editorial skills, and to my wife, Bridget, for soothing the furrowed brow in times of crisis.