Carbon fibers and composites have moved to the center of materials science, with significant basic research and a wide range of highly commercial applications. However, most of the literature in the field is theoretical. In contrast, practitioner Morgan takes a hands-on approach in describing the fabrication of carbon fibers, beginning with its structure and moving to its forms (including diamond, graphite, fibers and whiskers), production by means of various precursors (PAN, cellulosic, pitch, vapor-grown) surface treatments and sizing, design of plant equipment and its safe operation, polymer matrices and composites, reinforced ceramics and matrices, metal matrices, testing, statistical process control, quality control, properties, thermoset and thermoplastic matrices, design, applications, and the future of the material and the industry. Appendices include terminology and standards of quality.