This book is one of the best-known and most respected books in geotechnical engineering. In its third edition, it presents both theoretical and practical knowledge of soil mechanics in engineering. It features expanded coverage of vibration problems, mechanics of drainage, passive earth pressure, and consolidation.

Karl von Terzaghi was an Austrian civil engineer, geotechnical engineer and geologist known as the "father of soil mechanics".

Dr. Ralph Brazelton Peck was an eminent civil engineer specializing in soil mechanics. He was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1975 "for his development of the science and art of subsurface.