This review is an introduction to the subject of fracture utilizing an approach which is predominantly microstructural. The introduction defines fracture and certain terms associated with it in order to establish a basis upon which subsequent material can be discussed. Four fracture mechanisms -cleavage fracture@ plastic fracture@ creep fracture and fatigue fracture are discussed in some detail with a summary at the end of each. A section on miscellaneous fractures and mixed fractures follows. The main body of the review concludes with a general summary. An appendix on metallographic techniques of fracture analysis is included for those interested in the particulars of the analytical processes. In addition to the regular bibliography@ a bibliography containing general references is listed.