mechanical

This book is written with the assumption the reader understands statics prior to using this text. The author states repeatedly throughout the text that somewhat difficult ideas are obvious, and gives no further explanation as to the derrivation of his conclusions; often leaving the reader more lost than they started.
Sample problems are well laid out, yet do not prepare you for the level of understanding required for homework problems at the end of each chapter.
This book was used in a Sophomore college class and left the class feeling unprepared for subsequent Engineering courses requiring a firm understanding of this subject.
Altogether this book should not be used as a first attempt to understand statics unless the user has prior knowledge of statics.

this book is colorful and all, but it will be helpful if there is a sol'n manual 'cuz the sample problems are very easy and the hw are outrageously hard

One of the best, if not the best text book on fundemental structural analysis.

A beginners best bet.