Book excerpt: Ideal for entry-level and experienced researchers working in materials science and engineering, this unique book introduces a new subfield of materials science and mechanics of materials: network materials. A comprehensive review of their mechanical behaviours allows readers to understand, design, and enhance the performance of these material systems, across a range of materials including cytoskeletons, connective tissue, and thermoset polymers. By introducing simple models, supported by experimental data, the book provides the necessary fundamental knowledge to assist readers to design and develop their own material systems. By presenting each of these previously disparate material systems within a unified theoretical framework, this book provides a consolidated presentation of the mechanics of networks and their interactions, introducing parameters that define the stochastic structure of the network, and discussing their mechanical behaviour. It is an ideal text for those new to this fast-growing field, and for experienced researchers looking to consolidate their knowledge.