The production and use of cement are complex processes in which important parts are played by the cost-effectiveness of the operation and the measures to protect the environment. An understandig of the material processes and interrelationships involved is necessary to grasp and solve problems that arise. The successful launch of the standard work on cement by Prof. Dr. F. W. Locher in 2000 is now being followed by the publication of the English language version which takes special country-specific features into account. The book is aimed at chemists, physicists, engineers and technologists in the cement industry, in machine construction, the construction industry, materials testing and environmental protection. The book will provide them with the understanding of the processing, performance and application of cement needed for their daily work. It will also make an ideal textbook for the study of building materials science at colleges and universities. Prof. Locher worked for 35 years at the German Research Institute of the Cement Industry as head of the cement chemistry and cement technology department and member of the management of the German Cement Works Association.