The structure of much of solid-state theory comes directly from group theory, but until now there has been no elementary introduction to the band theory of solids using this approach. Employing the most basic of group theoretical ideas, and emphasizing the significance of symmetry in determining many of the essential concepts, this is the only book to provide such an introduction. Many topics were chosen with the needs of chemists in mind, and numerous problems are included to enable the reader to apply the major ideas and to complete some parts of the treatment. Physical scientists will also find this a valuable introduction to the field.