The book "Rational Extended Thermodynamics" by Ingo Müller and Tommaso Ruggeri presents a systematic and rational approach to extended thermodynamics, which extends classical thermodynamics to handle rapidly varying and strongly inhomogeneous processes. Unlike ordinary thermodynamics, which is governed by parabolic equations, extended thermodynamics is described by symmetric hyperbolic systems, ensuring well-posed initial value problems and finite propagation speeds. The main ingredients of extended thermodynamics include field equations of balance type, constitutive quantities depending on the local state, and entropy as a concave function of the state variables. The book discusses the development of extended thermodynamics, its formal structure, and its applications to various physical systems, including gases, mixtures, and radiation. It covers topics such as the kinetic theory of gases, the thermodynamics of mixtures, relativistic thermodynamics, and the thermodynamics of reacting mixtures. The authors also explore the relationship between extended thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of gases, particularly Grad's 13-moment version. The book addresses the limitations of extended thermodynamics, such as its inability to significantly improve upon conventional theories in certain cases, and the need for additional moments to accurately describe physical phenomena. It also discusses the application of extended thermodynamics to second sound, phonons, photons, and metal electrons, highlighting the importance of considering the mean free path of particles in these systems. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the field, including the derivation of field equations, the analysis of wave propagation, and the study of shock waves. The book also includes a detailed discussion of the thermodynamics of radiation and phonons, as well as the application of extended thermodynamics to various physical systems. Overall, the book serves as a comprehensive reference for researchers and students interested in the field of extended thermodynamics.The book "Rational Extended Thermodynamics" by Ingo Müller and Tommaso Ruggeri presents a systematic and rational approach to extended thermodynamics, which extends classical thermodynamics to handle rapidly varying and strongly inhomogeneous processes. Unlike ordinary thermodynamics, which is governed by parabolic equations, extended thermodynamics is described by symmetric hyperbolic systems, ensuring well-posed initial value problems and finite propagation speeds. The main ingredients of extended thermodynamics include field equations of balance type, constitutive quantities depending on the local state, and entropy as a concave function of the state variables. The book discusses the development of extended thermodynamics, its formal structure, and its applications to various physical systems, including gases, mixtures, and radiation. It covers topics such as the kinetic theory of gases, the thermodynamics of mixtures, relativistic thermodynamics, and the thermodynamics of reacting mixtures. The authors also explore the relationship between extended thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of gases, particularly Grad's 13-moment version. The book addresses the limitations of extended thermodynamics, such as its inability to significantly improve upon conventional theories in certain cases, and the need for additional moments to accurately describe physical phenomena. It also discusses the application of extended thermodynamics to second sound, phonons, photons, and metal electrons, highlighting the importance of considering the mean free path of particles in these systems. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the field, including the derivation of field equations, the analysis of wave propagation, and the study of shock waves. The book also includes a detailed discussion of the thermodynamics of radiation and phonons, as well as the application of extended thermodynamics to various physical systems. Overall, the book serves as a comprehensive reference for researchers and students interested in the field of extended thermodynamics.