A self-contained and thorough treatment of the vigorous research that has occurred in nonlinear mechanics since 1970. Begins with fundamental concepts and techniques of analysis and progresses through recent developments. Provides an overview that abstracts and introduces main nonlinear phenomena. Treats systems having a single degree of freedom, introducing basic concepts and analytical methods; extends concepts and methods to systems having degrees of freedom. Most of this material cannot be found in any other text. Uses simple physical examples to explain nonlinear dispersive and nondispersive waves. Unifies notation and modifies analysis to conform to discussions. Solutions are worked out in detail for numerous examples and results are plotted and explanations are couched in physical terms. Contains an extensive bibliography.