Book excerpt: Significant progress in the science and technology of the mechanical behaviour of materials has been made in recent years. The greatest strides forward have occurred in the field of advanced materials with high performance, such as ceramics, composite materials, and intermetallic compounds. The Sixth International Conference on Mechanical Behaviour of Materials (ICM-6), taking place in Kyoto, Japan, 29 July - 2 August 1991 addressed these issues. In commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Japan Society of Materials Science, organised by the Foundation for Advancement of International Science and supported by the Science Council of Japan, the information provided in these proceedings reflects the international nature of the meeting. It provides a valuable account of recent developments and problems in the field of mechanical behaviour of materials.