A unique publication that most fully discloses the most common metal on Earth - aluminum. The book acquaints the reader with the history of its discovery, the technologies of its production, as well as with numerous areas of practical application of this silver metal - from arts and crafts to military affairs and astronautics, from light industry to automotive, architecture and design. Once valued above silver and gold, aluminum was considered exclusively a jewelry material. Jewelry was made from it, in which Parisian fashionistas flaunted. Aluminum dishes were served to Emperor Napoleon. But gradually, from a rare curiosity, aluminum turned into an indispensable material of architects, designers, designers, allowing many of them to fulfill their dreams and prompting us to take a fresh look at the world of familiar things. The encyclopedia, on the pages of which many rare facts are collected and extensive illustrative material is presented, is aimed at a wide range of readers.