Considerable progress has been made in the development of models to predict the response of wire ropes and to determine the effects of variations in the design on its performance. The book begins with the equations of equilibrium for a thin curved wire in space, before going on to solve these equations, and apply them to determine the stresses in a simple strand. These results are then extended to ropes with more complex cross sections. Numerous examples are worked out to illustrate the theory and the test results discussed. This second edition includes new chapters on tension and compression of a cord, fatigue, and approximations. Intended for graduate students and practising engineers, this makes for a comprehensive theoretical review of the subject.