Fundamental Optical Design.Michael J. Kidger,SPIE Press, 2002

This book provides all the essential and best elements of Kidger's many courses taught worldwide on lens and optical design. It is written in a direct style that is compact, logical, and to the point--a tutorial in the best sense of the word. I read my copy late last year and read it straight through, cover to cover. In fact, I read it no less than three times. Its elegant expositions, valuable insights, and up-front espousal of pre-design theory make it an outstanding work. It's in the same league with Conrady and Kingslake. --Warren Smith