The preface to Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory claims that the book is acceptable for either a graduate text or as a text for part of a rigorous undergraduate physical chemistry sequence. The text assumes a familiarity with the thermodynamics and quantum mechanics covered in a typical undergraduate physical chemistry sequence as well as a knowledge of calculus. Some familiarity with probability and statistics is also assumed. The first in-chapter example problem is a good indicator of what is expected. It involves a definite integration to verify the normalization of a Gaussian distribution function.

The book starts with two introductory chapters on statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. The notions of ensembles, distributions, and the separability of energetic components are introduced. These topics are then developed through their application to monatomic, diatomic, and polyatomic ideal gases. The next two chapters treat the statistical thermodynamics of imperfect gases, liquids, solutions, and solids. Chapters 5 and 6 deal with the kinetic theory of gases and condensed phases, respectively. The classical treatments of mean free path, viscosity, thermal conduction, diffusion, and Brownian motion are covered in these chapters.

Chapter 7 sets this book apart from others in the field. It describes newer techniques for treating equilibrium and nonequilibrium statistical processes. The chapter introduces computational methods involving fractal geometry, nonlinear systems, and cellular automata. While this information is newer, it is not new. Since this is an unabridged reproduction of the 1990 text, the references are at least 10 years old. Nonetheless, this chapter opens the door to modern techniques in statistical mechanics and is an excellent introduction to those wanting to study these methods in more detail.

The overall layout of the book is good. Each chapter contains textual descriptions, which are quite readable, a large number of worked examples to illustrate the formalism, and in-chapter exercises to verify understanding of the textual material. Numerous data tables are also provided to furnish real-world data for the calculations. Chapters are followed by a list of references, recommended reading, and problems. The solutions to most of the problems, including comments on the solutions, can be found in the back of the book. The end-matter of the book contains two appendices on thermodynamic formulas and mathematical principles needed to complete the problems in the text. The book also includes six end-of-chapter appendices to treat specific problems in statistical thermodynamics and kinetic theory. For example, the chapter on the transport properties of gases has two appendices: one on the relationship between thermodynamic quantities and the speed of sound in a gas and one on supersonic molecular beams.

Study in this text at the undergraduate level would be enhanced by first covering a more general statistical thermodynamics text. Hecht's book introduces some topics, such as statistical ensembles, too briefly. These are often difficult for undergraduates to grasp and therefore demand more introductory material. Conversely, the book has several sections where Hecht quickly and cogently summarizes advanced techniques of statistical mechanics. The section on Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques is particularly well done. The emphasis the book places on numerical and computational methods makes it less appealing as an undergraduate text and more suited as a text for graduate study.

While the book has some drawbacks for an undergraduate curriculum, Hecht's writing style and organization make it a welcome addition to texts in statistical thermodynamics and kinetic theory. This is an excellent introductory text for modern techniques in statistical mechanics. Hecht balances elementary statistical mechanics pedagogy with advanced topics and references to assist those wanting a deeper treatment of the subject matter. By providing this bridge, the book distinguishes itself as an excellent tool for both faculty and students interested in the subject.