Machine derived contents note: Preface; 1. General introduction; 2. Basic composite models; 3. The Eshelby approach to modelling composites; 4. Plastic deformation; 5. Thermal effects and high temperature behaviour; 6. The interfacial region; 7. Fracture processes and failure mechanisms; 8. Transport properties and environmental performance; 9. Fabrication processes; 10. Development of matrix microstructure; 11. Testing and characterisation techniques; 12. Applications; Appendix 1. Nomenclature; Appendix 2. Matrices and reinforcements -- selected thermophysical properties; Appendix 3. The basic Eshelby S-tensors; Appendix 4. Listing of a program for an Eshelby calculation.