This book provides a lucid introduction to the theory of elasticity as applied to isotropic, specially orthotropic and laminated structures. With an application-oriented approach, the contents emphasize the need for rigorous analysis and illustrate its utility for a variety of problems. The simultaneous treatment of comparable isotropic and orthotropic problems enables one to easily visualize the changes in structural behaviour due to material orthotropy. Though intended as a textbook for graduate engineering study, this book is valuable as a self-study aid for practicing engineers as well.