The mathematical framework behind the theory is developed in detail, with the assumptions behind the eventual linearization made clear, so that the reader will be adequately prepared for further studies in continuum mechanics, nonlinear elasticity, inelasticity, fracture mechanics and/or finite elements. Prior to linearization, configurations and general measure of strain and stress are discussed. A modern treatment of the theory of tensors and tensor calculus is used. General curvilinear coordinates are described in an appendix.