Book Description

This manual is both a guide and aid to users of The Art of Electronics. It is carefully organized to follow the chapters of the main text, providing extra explanatory notes, worked examples, solutions to selected exercises and laboratory exercises. Learning aids such as glossaries, reading assignments, objectives, data sheets and summaries are also included. The manual is a product of many years' teaching at Harvard University, which has given the authors direct knowledge of concepts that students find difficult.The extra explanatory detail makes this manual an essential purchase for students using The Art of Electronics. ... Read more

Reviews (76)

11 Year going and still viable, that says it all
From the early 1980s, I've read both the first and second editions over 3 times and the heuristics they use remain second to none, 11 year later. This is THE book of Electronics for non-engineers, if more math is needed, Numbers.

With technology moving at a logarithmic phase, its a tribute to their presentation that AoE continues to be sold without a recent update and their keen circuit sense shows that many of the technologies the focused on remain available today.

Since the second edition cheap computer circuit simulators, I use Electronics Workbench but many are available, can help clarify areas were H&H may leap and bound when discussing circuits [ explanations can still be found by cross references the book via the index.] Design software makes breadboarding less necessary for testing concepts. Choice of software depends on cost and the sophistication of your design.

This book is not for the casual tinkerer, kit assembler, or an extended version of '1001 electronic circuits.' It turns astute readers into circuit designers, not everyone is cut out for that field. Its been a while since I read Steve Ciarcia in Byte, thought of Heathkit, saw an issue of Radio or Popular Electronics, but DigiKey remains a key supplier, Radio Shack remains the 'quick fix' and H&H lives on.

I rarely have time to build circuits on custom PC boards these days, but AoE has given me a cognitive lifetime warranty on all devices I've opened that screwed tightly shut said " ... VOID IF REMOVED."

For the next edition, could authors PLEASE beg the publishers to print the book on acid free paper? My copy is terribly jaundiced.

It's a cookbook not a textbook!
Excellent resource for all engineers/technicians who need quick solutions to common (and not-so-common) problems. The book is more an electronics "cookbook" than a textbook, in that the authors assume the reader is familiar with basic theory but might need help in identifying the best solution to a particular problem. It is not an "introduction to electronics" but, I would strongly recommend it to beginners who wish to augment a standard textbook or course with some good practical knowledge. The authors are very effective in reducing even some of the most complex aspects of electronics into easy-to-understand terms. This book is like having a good, experienced electrical engineer available 24 hours a day!

NOT FOR EVERYONE
The unfortunate thing about this book is that some effort seems to have been made to market it as a teaching tool or textbook that would be useful to neophytes and rank beginners. It is anything but that. If you use this book to begin your study of electronics you will end up very frustrated indeed.

The writing has a strange schizophrenic quality to it. Portions of the writing are almost brilliant. For instance, in the very first chapter we find on Page 20: "...capacitors are devises that might be considered simply frequency-dependent resistors." An excellent way of thinking of capacitors! But in other places, like on Page 9, you find whoppers like "A voltage source 'likes' an open-circuit load and 'hates' a short-circuit load, for obvious reasons" (obvious??!!) and "A current source 'likes' a short-circuit load and 'hates' an open-circuit load." Other gems include circuits "looking into each other" as though they have eyes. Such anthropomorphic analogies may (actually, in fact, are) useful to seasoned electrical engineers or even intermediate EE students. Upon those less advanced, like hobbyists or beginning EE students, their only effect is to overwhelm the beginner with a sense of the "weirdness" of electronics and its inaccessibility.

In other words, H & H's effort to make electronics accessible will, for many, have just the opposite effect - to intimidate them from continuing their electronic journey. It is harrowing to think that some university physics and EE professors, having succumbed to the not inconsiderable hype about this book, are using it as an introductory text. Pity the poor students in those courses. This, notwithstanding what is written on Page vii of the Student Manual: "...during the summer we see [in an introductory course at Harvard on electronics] many high school students, and some of these do brilliantly."

In short: I can only give H & H a C minus in their effort at technical writing, and suggest that beginners and first-year students turn to Grob or to Schaum's Outlines (both excellent) for supplementary help.

Don't get me wrong. For the intermediate learner of electronics, this is not only a very helpful book but an incredibly useful one, especially as a reference. But any "beginner" or "high school student" who thrives on this book is not being completely honest about his background (he "forgot" to mention to the person or instructor to whom he introduced himself as a "beginner" the trivial fact that he already has an amateur radio license, or some such) or he is, shall we say, very very smart.

Great, but flawed
A great textbook and reference guide on fundamental electronics. My only complaint is the index, which frequently presents with incorrect page references. I'd like to see H & H come out with a third edition with a corrected index and some more modern circuits, such as LCDs and TRIACs.

An electronic treasure
Simply, it is an electronic treasure, it covers a very wide range of electronics plus a very helpful circuits, but it has one disadvantage, that is, the excercises inside the book, they must be solved in the end of the book just to be sure that you are doing well with the book. Except that it is a great reachy book. ... Read more

Book Description

Prepared by the world's leading acoustics company, BNN Laboratories, it covers every aspect of noise and vibration control. Examines engineering principles for designing quiet conditions into pumps and power plant equipment, air conditioning systems, industrial machinery, factories and more. Methods for designing appropriate noise and vibration control treatments are also discussed. Techniques for assessing conditions are demonstrated as well as methods for designing appropriate noise and vibration control applications. A condensed collection of current authoritative design information, criteria and references are also included. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Practical Use of Noise and Vibration Control Engineering
The book has some very practical suggestions and formulas that can be used to control noise in real engineering problems. This it does by first reviewing the basic terms, definitions and international standards in acoustics. Several practical formulas for design of noise control systems are discussed and given in the text. Formulas for calculation of sound propagation in various practical situations are also given. I recommend this book to people who have an interest in reducing noise in most practical problems.

The book is also suitable to students in mechanical, aerospace, automotive, electrical, environmental, highways and building engineering who have an interest in acoustics or noise control problems. The book is however not suitable as a class textbook as not many formulas are derived neither are there many worked examples or tutorial problems that can assist a student to prepare for examinations. ... Read more

Book Description

"If there is one principle that has guided the spectacular advances in our understanding of the cosmos during the last hundred years, it is the concept of symmetry. In SYMMENTRY AND THE BEAUTIFUL UNIVERSE, Leon Lederman and Chris Hill have captured the essence of this simple yet profound concept and conveyed its wonders with art and precision. In accessible and entertaining language, the authors provide readers with a crystal-clear window to physics' most refined theories, allowing us all to appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe." BRIAN GREENE, Author of THE ELEGANT UNIVERSE and THE FABRIC OF THE COSMOS; Professor of Physics, Columbia University

"Symmetry is the way in to understanding the world; symmetry is part of beauty. Lederman and Hill, the mist skillful of guides, show us the multitude of ways in which the physical world is shaped by symmetry. They take us on a lively tour of our subtle symmetry (and understandably asymmetric) world, from planets to quarks. In Lederman and Hill's book we are led masterfully to an appreciation of the crucial role of symmetry in this world." ROALD HOFFMANN, Nobel Laureate; Frank H. T. Rhodes Professor of Humane Letters, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University

"An enigma of twentieth-century physics is the question of symmetry as a guiding principle of nature. Did nature start with the idea of symmetry, or is it an accidental consequence? Is symmetry, with its aesthetic appeal, a fundamental principle? In this penetrating and lucid book the authors, both top physicists, take on symmetry as a basic principle. They succeed in a marvelous way, and consequently this book is a must for the serious student of nature." MARTINUS VELTMAN, Nobel Laureate; Author of FACTS AND MYSTERIES IN ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS

"Formidable as a snow-covered peak, the concept of symmetry looms as a central challenge to all those who would understand modern physics. In this delightful but instructive book, Leon Lederman and Christopher Hill have rendered the great service of making this concept accessible to lay readers." J. MADELEINE NASH, Author of EL NINO: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF THE MASTER WEATHER-MAKER. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (115)

...1 dimension, 2 dimensions, 3 dimensions, ... n dimensions
Flatland is Edwin A. Abbott's depiction of A. Square's (the story's narrator) odyssey though the spaces of many dimensions. It was written in Victorian England and is a very stylized piece. The book is divided into two parts. In Part I of the book Abbott describes Flatland and particularly its social structure in a satirical nature (akin to Animal Farm). Part II of the book is where the more mathematical and geometrical concepts are expounded upon. This section of the book is also written in the spirit of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. A. Square (analogous to Alice) ventures back and forth through Pointland (no dimensions), Lineland (one dimension), Flatland (two dimensions), and Spaceland (three dimensions). A. Square even eventually speculates the appearance of the inhabitants of a land composed of four dimensions! Flatland will appeal to both mathematicians and lay people alike. If you are curious about dimensionality and the world in which we live, and would like to see it presented in a playful and charismatic manner, then Flatland is the book for you. Although initially taken at face value, Flatland is very deep and fully of many hidden mathematical and satirical jokes waiting to be discovered by its readers (again similar to Alice in Wonderland). Furthermore, Abbott's style tends to be very wordy. To that end, his sentences are jammed packed with ideas. These final two aspects of the book may deem a reread useful. Nonetheless, Abbott blesses us with phrases such as "dimensionable Dimensionality," "Thoughtland," "Spacious Space," and perfect perfection." Brilliant! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A Very Pleasing Speculation
Flatland and Sphereland are very well written books, but for entirely different reasons. Flatland is a fun story that takes you into the 2nd (and 1st, and 0th) dimensions to see what life is like there with its final goal to make you speculate on what the fourth dimension would be like. Flatland, the first book, excels at making you grasp the concepts and has a very good story to go along with it. The story seems to be the main focus, rather than the other aspects.

Sphereland is entirely the opposite. Sphereland deals with ideas such as the expanding universe theory others. This it explains even clearer then flatland did. But Sphereland's focus was not on the story, but rather on the theories that it tried to convey. This may be a good thing in some people's minds, but I enjoyed the story of flatland and didn't like it pushed aside to explain the theories. I also didn't like the fixing of flatland to make it less backwards (Besides giving equality to women) since flatland to me was backwards.

So If you want to learn complex Ideas simply and with fun, these are the books for you.

A Book that Introduces the Reader to Strange, New Lands
=====>

In order to understand this twenty-two chapter book (first published in the mid-1880s) by Edwin A. Abbot (1838 to 1926), you have to understand what is meant by the word "dimension," a word in the book's subtitle "A Romance of Many Dimensions." A dimension is any measureable distance such as length or width. So something that has one dimension has only one measurable distance, something that has two dimensions has two measurable distances, and so on. You also have to realize that there are geometrical forms that can be drawn in these dimensions. Thus a line is such a form that only has one dimension, a triangle is such a form that has two dimensions that appears flat and non-solid, and a sphere is such a form in three dimensions that appears solid. (Another name for three dimensions is space.)

Part one (twelve chapters) of this book gives us a glimpse of the two-dimensional land where the narrator, Mr. "A. Square," comes from. This place, called "Flatland," is inhabitated by two-dimensional beings of which Square is one. These beings no nothing of "up" and "down." Square tells us details of Flatland society such as its resident's domestic life and its political turmoil. It is a place dominated by such things as a rigid social hierarchy, sexism, and closed-mindedness.

Abbot was a Victorian and his description of Flatland is meant to be a parody (using wry humor and biting satire) of English Victorian society. Abbot seems to have fun mocking the upper classes of the 1880s in his book. I found that much of what Abbot says can be applied to modern society.

As an example, Square tells us of the social hierarchy that exists: "Our women are straight lines. Our soldiers and lowest classes of workmen are Triangles with two equal sides [called an Isosceles triangle]...Our middle class consists of Equilateral or equal sided triangles...Our professional men...are Squares...and five-sided figures, or Hexagons, and thence rising in the number of their sides till they receive the honorable title of Polygonal, or many-sided...Finally when the number of sides becomes so numerous...that the figure cannot be distinguished from a Circle, he is included in the Circular or Priestly order; and this is the highest class of all."

Part two (ten chapters) of this book is very interesting since Square tells us of his visits to "Lineland" (a land of one dimension), "Spaceland" (a land of three dimensions, a land Earthlings are used too), and "Pointland" (a land of no dimensions). Readers will find that they will have to adjust their thinking every time the two-dimensional Square visits a world of different dimensions. For example, when Square meets "Sphere" (of Spaceland), the reader will have to "see" Sphere as Square does--in two dimensions. The end of this part has Square realizing that three (and perhaps more) dimensions exist and trying to tell his fellow close-minded Flatlanders this.

My favorite sentence in part two occurs when Sphere makes an unexpected visit to Square's home (and Square doesn't know who Sphere is, fearing that he is a burglar). Square says, "The thought flashed across me that I might have before me a burglar or cut-throat, some monstrous irregular Isoceles, who by feigning the voice of a Circle, had obtained admission somehow into the house, and was now preparing to stab me with his acute angle."

Abbot, besides being a writer and educator, was also a theologian. So are their any spiritual or metaphysical aspects to this book? The answer is yes but this is not always obvious. For example, when Sphere makes his first unexpected visit to Square's home, he slowly seems to materialize in front of Square. Thus Sphere seems to be a supernatural, supreme being and Square refers to him as "your Lordship." Another example is Sphere sees Square as "a fit apostle for the Gospel of the Three Dimensions."

This book is written in Victorian English that may be difficult (for some) to comprehend at first. But I found that as I progressed further into the book and got used to this type of English, it becomes much easier to comprehend. The sketches found throughout the book also help immensely in getting across what Abbot was attempting to convey.

This book raises a number of questions, some of which are as follows:

(1) Why does our universe have three dimensions and not two or four?
(2) In what ways does our three-dimensional universe affect its physical, chemical, and biological properties?
(3) Do universes that have two, four, five, or more dimensions exist?
(4) If other universes of different dimensions do exist, then are there beings in these other dimensions?

Finally, for those who want a good non-fiction account of possible other dimensions, I recommend Dr. Michio Kaku's book "Hyperspace: A Scientific Odyssey through Parallel Universes, Time Warps, and the 10TH Dimension" (1994).

In conclusion, this is a unique book that sparks your imagination and raises certain questions. Be warned though! By reading this book, you may become one in "a race of rebels who...refuse to be confined to [a] limited dimensionality."

<=====>

Terrific!
This may be the greatest science fiction story of all time. I have read this story at least ten times and I never tire of it. An all time classic that makes a wonderful conversation topic.

Expand your mind!
Flatland is a great book for those who have the ability to think in an abstract way. If you appreciate mathematical puzzles, physics, or programming, you'll probably love Flatland. Although I liked it, I expect Flatland would be more popular among men than women.

The book is relatively short and an easy read. It doesn't have much of a plot; instead, the narrator spends time explaining the nature of a two-dimensional universe, and compares it to three-dimensional "Spaceland".

The book opens your mind - if two-dimensional characters can't see or imagine a three-dimensional universe, who is to say we can't see or imagine a four- or five-dimensional one? ... Read more

Amazon.com

This text is geared towards a one-semester graduate-level course in statistical signal processing and estimation theory. The author balances technical detail with practical and implementation issues, delivering an exposition that is both theoretically rigorous and application-oriented. The book covers topics such as minimum variance unbiased estimators, the Cramer-Rao bound, best linear unbiased estimators, maximum likelihood estimation, recursive least squares, Bayesian estimation techniques, and the Wiener and Kalman filters. The author provides numerous examples, which illustrate both theory and applications for problems such as high-resolution spectral analysis, system identification, digital filter design, adaptive beamforming and noise cancellation, and tracking and localization. The primary audience will be those involved in the design and implementation of optimal estimation algorithms on digital computers. The text assumes that you have a background in probability and random processes and linear and matrix algebra and exposure to basic signal processing. Students as well as researchers and practicing engineers will find the text an invaluable introduction and resource for scalar and vector parameter estimation theory and a convenient reference for the design of successive parameter estimation algorithms. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Legendary and masterpiece in estimation theory
Without any hesitation, I consider this book as a masterpiece in the area of statistical signal processing. Kay takes the reader to the journey of estimation theory as if a science teacher takes his students to a field trip. The one special feature of this book is the convergence of thought that reader obtains upon reading the book. Kay lays a fundamental bridge between various estimators using his succinct style for describing the subject.

Few special areas require more attention in this book. For example the coverage of EM methods is very condense and requires more elaboration. Also there is no discussion on the estimation methods using higher order statistics.

Overall I consider this book as the best book I have read ever and I highly recommend this book to those who want to obtain an ever-lasting view on statistical signal processing.

couldn't rate 6... a must !
I've had tough courses on statistical signal processing as a post-grade student. I am often confused in front of a problem and turning back to the notes taken in class doesn't help much.
When you read this book all gets bright. I am still wondering how some teachers can be so confusing while such good books do exist...
However don't count on it for in depth mathematical demonstrations, it starts with a practical problem and explains how to model things. Thus it is a bit bottom-up but anyway starting from a good graduate level in signal and stats.
I got this one at the library but already ordered a copy for myself and am planning to get part2 on detection.

A reference for self-directed study
This text is very good for those who start doing research in statistical signal processing. A lot of explanations, technical terms are well presented and consistent, plus a number of examples that help you to learn about different statistical signal processing concepts and algorithms. Research students can be beneficial alot from this text.

The book has depth and is well written
This is one of the best references on statistical signal processing. The topic is not of simple matter, but the author presents the materials clearly together with great examples. The book is reader-friendly and is relatively error-free. I have bought several copies for my PhD students at Georgia Tech.

An Excellent Book in Estimation Theory
This book was asigned to me for a graduate course in Statistical Signal Estimation. The book was very useful and easy to read. It was well written and had helpful examples. I recommend this book for any one who wants to learn about Estimation Theory. ... Read more

Book Description

These practice workbooks and guides contain essential information for those preparing for GRE subject tests, including practice questions, full-length practice tests that were actually administered at international GRE subject test administrations, answer sheets, correct answers, score conversion tables, and performance data for students who took the tests. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A book you want to see before the test.
This book neither tells you how to solve the problems nor what knowledge you are expected to have before the test. This book contains only problems and answers. When you think you are ready for the test, this is the book you want to use. This book contains four actual tests and helps you time your exam and get used to the style of the exam. I found "Physics: The Easy Way by Robert L. Lehrman" a good book to review the kind of things asked in GRE physics test. In GRE physics test you are asked a hundred small questions which can be solved almost without calculation. You want to review the essentials and get used to the style of the exam for high score.

Just the tests
Sadly, this publication by ETS contains nothing but 3 old GRE physics exams of (presumably) retired questions. The correct answers and the scoring statistics are given, but there is nothing in the way of explanation or discussion or strategies for attacking the test. Still, you should probably get this because its the only place you can get your hands on ETS's actual problems. Other books that purport to train you for the GRE often disturbingly misunderstand what kind of things ETS expects you to know and do on the exam. This book is only helpful if you invest a lot of time in it, but I still reccommend it highly if you plan on taking the physics GRE.

comprehensive and practical
with detailed explaination and cogent coaching, this book provides a hand-on way to tackle GRE questions ... Read more

Book Description

An esteemed researcher and acclaimed popular author takes up the challenge of providing a clear, relatively brief, and fully up-to-date introduction to one of the most vital but notoriously difficult subjects in theoretical physics. A quantum field theory text for the twenty-first century, this book makes the essential tool of modern theoretical physics available to any student who has completed a course on quantum mechanics and is eager to go on.

Quantum field theory was invented to deal simultaneously with special relativity and quantum mechanics, the two greatest discoveries of early twentieth-century physics, but it has become increasingly important to many areas of physics. These days, physicists turn to quantum field theory to describe a multitude of phenomena.

Stressing critical ideas and insights, Zee uses numerous examples to lead students to a true conceptual understanding of quantum field theory--what it means and what it can do. He covers an unusually diverse range of topics, including various contemporary developments, while guiding readers through thoughtfully designed problems. In contrast to previous texts, Zee incorporates gravity from the outset and discusses the innovative use of quantum field theory in modern condensed matter theory.

Without a solid understanding of quantum field theory, no student can claim to have mastered contemporary theoretical physics. Offering a remarkably accessible conceptual introduction, this text will be widely welcomed and used. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

BRAVO ! ! !
BRAVO ! ! !
It has been over fifteen years since I've last read a book on QFT. This book is extremely clear, enlightening, entertaining, at times deep and always worth the effort. I have read several small sections and it has already made quite an impression on me. I recommend this book without hesitation.

I just don't understand the two star review by someone who thinks this is one step up from popularization. First, I don't know of any books in that category that discuss and show calculations for field theory in curved spacetime, renormalization, the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron, basics of Chern-Simons Theory and TQFT, etc. Second, if it's rigor you want, say non-commutative C* Algebras and QFT, why would you expect to find it "in a Nutshell?" Try, for a bit more rigor, "The Mathematical Foundations of Gauge Theories" by Marathe & Martucci or the wonderful works of John Baez. Or go to Glimm and Jaffe's "Quantum Physics: A Functional Integral Point of View" for lots of rigor but almost nothing in four dimensions. De gustibus non disputandem est - but let us not get ridiculous.

Joseph R. Dell'Aquila, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Quantum Fields Forever!
One characteristic which distinguishes this book from ordinary physics books is that it is written by a human physicist for other humans!

This text on quantum field theory is filled with charming psychology of physicists. It not only teaches up-to-date quantum field theory, but also tells readers how research is actually done and shows how to think about physics. For example, it is told how Yang-Mills theory was born out of a great mind in 20th century physics. It is also told how theorists and experimentalists live with each other. Readers can even know about how a life in physics is like, say, through the career of Confusio. These may belong to what people usually say `cannot be learned from books'.

This book is in the same style as ``Fearful Symmetry'' and ``Einstein's Universe'', two `popular' physics books. I think one can recognize that they are written by the same author merely by reading the texts. I have to use quotation marks for the word `popular', as those two books geneuinely teach physics, with a same taste as this quantum field theory book except with less technical details.

All the three books, by a special theoretical physicist, are classics.

Billy D. Jones, theoretical physicist
This book is awesome.
It's for the beginner.
It's for the expert.
It's for the next generation...

Highly recommended
A delightful introduction to a difficult subject;
intuitive, insightful and fun!
An ideal introductory graduate level text.
Highly recommended.

Funny, chatty, physical. QFT education transformed!!
This Quantum Field Theory text stands apart from others in so many ways that it's difficult to list them all :-). A very unique QFT introductory text.

One problem with learning QFT is that it is so easy to get lost in the mathematical details that the core physics concepts often get obscured.

In my opinion, Tony Zee overcomes this particular problem quite successfully. He keeps algebra to a bare minimum, and tries to find the shortest route to the physics ideas. He chooses examples that illustrate concepts in the fastest possible way.

The chapters are short. So refreshing! Each chapter has one or two core ideas. You can go through one in ten minutes (glossing over the math), and then you go back and do the math.

Part I (first eighty or so pages) is called "Motivation and Foundation" and is a rapid introduction to QFT. It is also a summary and sweeping overview --- introducing path integrals and Feynman diagrams and making a very intuitive transition from Quantum mechanics to Field theory.

The next three parts cover spin-1/2 particles (Dirac spinors), renormalization, and symmetry (breaking), standard fare for QFT texts. A sampling of condensed-matter applications is given in Parts V & VI, and then current high-energy topics are treated in parts VII & VIII.

The applications make this text stand out. There is a selection of advanced current topics like the quantum hall physics, surface growth, string theory, D-branes and quantum garavity, not usually found in introductory field theory texts. Of course none of these topics can be done justice in a book at this level, but getting a taste of advanced issues is a great treat.

The exposition is breezy and chatty, as the author admits was his intention. The text is never boring to read, and is at times very, very funny. Puns and jokes abound, as do anecdotes involving the inventors of QFT.

Renormalization is discussed through a lively dialog between student Confusio, a female Smart Experimentalist (SE), and a senior (Egghead) theorist. Ode to Galileo! Section headings alternate between serious and hilarious --- one section is called "Wisdom of the son-in-law". The path integral formulation of quantum mechanics comes out of a conversation between a teacher and a "wise-guy" student, who happens to be Feynman.

And so on and so forth.

The net result is a book which is much easier, and more fun, to read than any of the other common QFT books out there. Tony Zee's skills as a popular physics writer have been used to excellent effect in writing this textbook.

One more distinctive feature is that there is equal emphasis on condensed-matter and high-energy applications. Most QFT texts today, unfortunately, are so biased toward particle-physics that they tend to put off condensed-matter students. A. Zee has broken the mold!

Is the treatment "over"-simplified? Maybe simplified, but not dumbed-down. The high concept-to-pain ratio certainly seems worth the simplification.

Is this text only good as a supplement? Well, it is after all a "Nutshell", so maybe other texts are better for details. But as an introduction to QFT concepts, few other books match this.

Wholeheartedly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

This text is designed for the non-calculus physics course taken by those who are pursuing careers in science or engineering technology.Content is built about extensive use of examples with detailed solutions designed to develop problem-solving skills. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by best-selling author, John D. Anderson, Jr., this book covers the subject of sustained hypersonic flight, the technology behind the Space Shuttle and other high speed flight vehicles. Anderson's book offers timely and up-to-date information on hypersonic flow-an area that has grown explosively in the last decade. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Available from Am. Instit. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
While this description refers to an out of print edition by McGraw-Hill, the book has been republished by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) with the ISBN 156347459X.

an excellent first book for high temp gas dynamics
This book in conjunction with Anderson's "Modern Compressible Flow with Historical Perspective" will give you and excellent fundamental background in high temp gas dynamics. I think the third section alone of this book (which introduces stastical mechanics, kinetic theory, chemically reacting flows, equilibrium and nonequilibrium flows) is worth the price.

another hit from john d anderson
I just finished reading an old edition, whihc is late 80's and it's incredible, I can't wait to get this new edition. If you like aerodynamics and are interested in space re-entry vehicles, for sure you should have this book in your personal library. ... Read more

Book Description

275,000 students in noncalculus physics; Required pre-med course; Super-accessible, straightforward help; Student-grabbing graphics and style; Icons for important concepts; 1-2-3 help with problems. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Decent book - many errors
This book is a decent book for those being taking a freshman physics course for non-majors. This is a good supplement to a calculus based physics textbook.

typographical errors
it's a good book, it helped a great deal. I wish time was taken to correct typographical errors. I lost valuable time that could have been used to study.

Very helpful, recommend
this is a very good book except there are some mistakes(but the mistakes are easily found and corrected by yourself). This book gives you how to attack problems in a very organized manner even though the problems are not so difficult. I came to be able to solve more challenging problems in a different book after solving the easy but organized ones in this book. I recommend this book!

This Is The Book If You Need Help with Physics
Beginning with the "How To Use This Book" and "How To Excel in Your Physics Course", (especially the latter) and throughout its pages, this is, without a doubt in this readers opinion, the very best book on the subject I have found to date (And I have many). It puts you through the paces. If you want to know this subject and excel in it, these authors have placed before you the practice you will need. I recommend this book highly for your first experiences in this subject. Starting with the mathematical background required; then on to Classical through Special Relativity. It covers each and every topic, in a clear, concise method that enhances learning and improves retention greatly in each and every area. It's a great reference to have on the shelf. EXCELLENT! My thanks to the authors. Your book has helped me much more than I ever expected.

It is a very good book .
It is a very good book but it does not solve complicated problems.Furthermore,it has few mistakes(EX. Pages 88 and 94).In all honesty,it solves the most problems that you will encounter in the freshman physics courses. ... Read more

Book Description

The second edition is intended for the junior-senior-graduate level course in finite element method. This text includes a step-by-step, systematic approach to the formulation and analysis of differential and integral equations in variational forms for use as finite element methods. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

a very good book
I learnt FE from this book. It is clear, coincise, full of well-worked examples. It covers almost all of the aspectes of FE programming. The book contains two educational codes, thought both are FORTRAN77 code, one can easily understand what's going on, so as to rewrite it in C or, say, FORTRAN90.

The first s chapters of the book regard the FEm method in general, the 4th focuses on structural mechanics, 5th is about errors in FE analysis, 6th and 7th about numerical integration and 8th is on 2 and 3 dimension FE problem.

Actually this is an introductory book, so the 2 and 3 D problems are not deeply trated.

The book is never hard to understand, and it's suitable (waw!!) for self study.

It is one of my best list.
Just completing his second and third chapter in FE formulation, you cannot deny Dr.Reddy's ingenius in FE. His solid background in Variational Calculus will enlight you the real nature of Finite Element approximation and bring you understand how can fomulate FE statement from BVP. Don't be bored in his mathematical written styles, because you could not understand FE in other ways. Absolutely, this book is one in my best list of FE textbook. His enlightment could not be found in a plenty of FE textbooks sold in your bookstore. Just read it!!! You may think like me.

THE BOOK
This book is a nice starting point for FEM modeling.
I have had experience with contol volume and
finite difference and am trying to catch on FEM.
It helps me where i need help. There is this other
book by Schaums that complements this book. I am buying the second book on Finite Elements authored by him....You can imagine....I am in love with the book.....really...the mathematical formulations....the very fact that it looks so abstruse that is the reason i love it..clarity of thought i respect like mad! And he has it all!!!

One of the Best Textbooks in FE
Not only was I introduced to the infinite world of Finite Elements through this book, but I have also used it in the FE class I teach at UCSD. I have found the variational formulations approach most helpful as it fits anyone in the various disciplines of engineering and applied mathematics. "Give me the field equation and I shall develop the FE model" is the motto I have used to build a career in FE; and Dr. Reddy's Book was certainly the cornerstone. OK..I am biased...Dr. Reddy was my doctoral advisior; he is the best in the business.

Samuel K. Kassegne, PhD, PE San Diego, California bikila_97@yahoo.com

Great Introductory Book
This book is quite good. It will really teach you the basics of Finite element Method. But one problem i encountered is that if you use this book to learn, the next time you need to study deeper FEM, you will have a hard time understanding the very different approaches and also notation. But still this book will give you many things you need to know. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A classical text but good foundations in Math needed.
I had this book as my text book in Purdue University. Frankly speaking, most people will have no clue what it is talking after reading it for the first time because this book describes electromagnetism more from a mathematical point of view. From the start it just throws hypothesis, derivations and formulae to the reader and there are few examples, therefore readers without adequate and solid background in maths(especially in vector calculus) will be quickly confused by this book and lose the big picture. This book serves nicely as a reference but if you are not that familiar in this field, I would recommend other books. One of them is 'electromagnetics' by Kraus which is not as mathematical rigorous as this book, but more readable.

Short and Concise- An Engineer's Book!
I used this book for an introductory couse on Electromagnetics. I like books which are concise and have a lot of pictures and solved problems because I am not interested in the details which are probably more important to a Physics Major. The sample problems are a must if you want to master Electromagnetics. I found this subject very difficult and also used Schaums Outline of Electromagnetics by Edminister for additional practice problems.

Excellent and unique development, but lacking in some areas
Although this is my favorite exposition of fields and waves, Cheng sort of violates what he set out to do. This text is supposed to proceed more logically than others, yet it provides no basis for the basic postulates he introduces. He describes the postulates with one sentence, provides no motivation for them, and does not even describe any experimental basis for them. This is in stark contrast to other books. Also, he incorrectly treats the Lorentz condition from a logical point of view. The Lorentz condition is what helps link electromagnetic fields with electromagnetic waves travelling through space in the time-varying case. Cheng simply states the Lorentz condition because it simplifies another equation for potentials and says that we are at liberty to specify the equation because it contains the divergence of a variable whose curl is already specified earlier; and specifying both the divergence and curl of a vector field uniquely defines the field. This is abrupt, arbitrary reasoning with almost no motivation behind it. He should have at least stated where the Lorentz condition really comes from -- from the theory of relativity and its relation to electromagnetic fields. This would be a more lucid and correct way of linking electromagnetic fields to electromagnetic waves. Besides these shortcomings, this book is unique and excellent overall. For the serious student of electromagnetics, applied scientists, and engineers I recommend getting this book along with Essentials of Electromagnetics for Engineering by Wolf and Electromagnetic Fields and Waves by Lorrain and Corson; Lorrain and Corson's text correctly treats the Lorentz condition and derives it using the theory of relativity. These three texts, when first supplanted by a course in electromagnetism at a reasonable level, will leave one ready for any new encounters in this field, research or applied.

Most Elegant Engineering Book I Have Seen
Electromagnetism is a hard subject for many people, including myself. The best approach is to get a few good books on the subject rather than rely on one book. After doing a survey, I finally bought the following books suitable for my level: (i) Introductory Electromagnetics by Popovic and Popovic; (ii) Field and Wave Electromagnetics by Cheng; (iii) Electromagnetics with Applications by Kraus; (iv) Schaums Outline of Electromagnetics by Edminister. I give five stars to all these books. (There is another book which I will not review or identify, because it turned out to be unsatisfactory.)

I am reviewing these four books in one go because they are interrelated. Each of these book is strong in its own unique area.

Introductory Electromagnetics by Popovic and Popovic is the best of these book for gaining an intuitive understanding of the difficult subject of electromagnetism. Its clarity and elegance reminds me of Feynman's Lectures in Physics. Every chapter is a work of inspiration. The carefully chosen examples are designed to impart understanding of electromagnetic principles rather than calculation skills. The book is excellent for those who are new to the subject. It is also excellent for those who have already learned some electromagnetics, but who feel that their understanding is still shaky.

Field and Wave Electromagnetics by Cheng is the best of these books in terms of the mathematical development of electromagnetics. Although this approach may seem difficult at first glance, ironically the mathematical rigour makes the subject much easier to grasp. That is because mathematical precision goes a long way towards illuminating subtle principles of electromagnetism. As a result, this book, more so than any other book, has given me the confidence to handle the difficult subject of electromagnetism.

Electromagnetics With Application by Kraus is the least systematic of these books, with some of the discussions being disjoint and abrupt. It is, however, valuable for its interesting and practical examples. It is a must-have book for anyone who is serious about electromagnetism.

Schaums Outline of Electromagnetics, by Edminister, is an outstanding collection of problems and solutions, as well as summaries. It mirrors the excellence of Edminister's other Schaums Outline, namely, Electric Circuits.

In summary, these four books have different strengths, respectively the following: (i) intuitive development; (ii) systematic development; (iii) practical application; and (iv) problem solving. These books form an awesome quartet, covering all the bases, and will provide you with a good foundation for advanced studies. A useful supplement for these books is Schaums Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables.

Graet!
It is the most comprehensive book in this area I have seen yet,
specially for the undergraduate Electromagnetics course. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A modern classic
I have used this book for the past five years, teaching a one
semester course on Intro to Quantum Field Theory.
I also taught the second half of the book two times.
I am still amazed by how well written and enlightening this book
is, and I regard it as a modern classic. After a years
worth of study, the student is really able to dive into research.
They know the Standard Model in enough detail to
perform radiative corrections in the electroweak model, and
where the Feynman rules come from in different gauges.
The book is accessible to experimental and theoretical students
in all areas of physics, and drives home all the essential
points. I wish this book had been around twenty years ago
when I was first trying to learn the material.

A major step since Bjorken/Drell
The book of Peskin/Schroeder represents in my view a major stepforward since Bjorken/Drell. Not only do they cover everything in moredetails but their book also reflect the considerable advancement and refinement of quantum field theory. In any case, one should still start with Bjorken/Drell in order to get a good understanding before moving over to Peskin/Schroeder. This is not to say that Peskin/Schroeder is difficult to read, quite the contrary, but the physics embedded in the mathematics will be much easier to master. The problems are very well tied to each chapter and are also clearly written for a further and deeper understanding of the subjects. Also, Peskin/Schroeder cover quite a bit in quantum field theory and one will never have the feeling that something was left out. This also makes it an excellent reference book as well.

Good but could be better
I used P&S for an intro QFT course. I learned much from the text as I found it clear and full of helpful examples. Particularly nice sections were those introducing free quantum fields, functional methods (path integrals), and non-abelian gauge theories and their quantization. In other sections, however, P&S often take many pages and indirect paths towards deriving basic results, which is particularly frustrating when one wishes to use the text for reference. The chapter introducing interacting fields seems disorganized, and the treatments of infrared and uv divergences (renormalization) seem to go on forever, with interesting or important results scattered through hundreds of pages. The discussion of the Standard Model is likewise overly verbose yet incomplete, and there is no discussion of susy. In this and other ways this text is less advanced than Ryder's, though I found its presentations clearer than Ryder's.

Overall, I found this a nice book to learn from, but horrible to return to when I try to fill in the gaps of my understanding of QFT.

The best book on QFT
This is the best book for learning and teaching quantum field theory. Although it doesn't cover philosophical or very formal aspects of QFT, it is very readable and more than sufficient to teach a year long introductory course.

This book is also excellent for self study. Unlike Weinberg which is too formal or several others that are too specialized, Peskin & Schroeder presents a nice general overview of the topic.

Horrible book!
This is by far the worst book on QFT that I know of. There is absolutely no logic or motivation. One doesn't learn concepts or computational techniques. There are many other modern texts available which are much better. Try Weinberg or Sterman, for example. ... Read more

Book Description

Cable Any Kind of Audio or Video Installation

Put complete performance specifications for analog and digital audio and video installations -- from professional recording studios to living room theatres -- in the palm of your hand! Audio/Video Cable Installer’s Pocket Guide packs over 200 illustrations that clarify all the methods, procedures, and tools you need to successfully tackle even the most complex installation job. Great for everyone from home enthusiasts to professional engineers and technicians, the convenient take-along size is as perfect for professionals working out in the field as it is for hobbyists tinkering in the basement. Author Stephen Lampen, an industry pro, anticipates and answers your every question on analog and digital audio, analog and digital video, including high definition video cabling; connectors; using Category 5, 5e, and 6 to carry audio and video; installation; and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A First Rate Guide
Within its sphere of discussion, this is the best reference manual of its type. There is a lot not here concerning RF and power, but it's not an RF or power book. Steve Lampen is about the most knowledgeable 'wire man' around and this book should go with you each time you visit your local High End audio saloon or any other vendor of these products.

Small package - HUGE resource of information!
It is easy to see why Steve Lampen is such an esteemed author and lecturer and one of the most respected cable engineers in the industry. Steve Lampen does an excellent job of describing cables and their applications. Starting with the basics of the construction of the wire, Steve describes everything from the conductor's base metal to the insulation and shielding to the applications most appropriate for each cable. He defines all of the important wire specifications and gives you a much better sense of which type of cables are most appropriate for you application. While the book is very technical in scope, Steve makes the complex topics interesting and readable. It is filled with helpful charts, graphs and tables - color codes, NEC fire codes, resistance tables, dielectric constants and more.

So much information is packed into this book that I consider it the best 400 pages of knowledge you can carry in your pocket! This is a must-have book for anyone interested in ANY aspect of cable installation or home-theater hookup. ... Read more

Book Description

For Albert Einstein, 1905 was a remarkable year. It was also a miraculous year for the history and future of science. In six short months, from March through September of that year, Einstein published five papers that would transform our understanding of nature. This unparalleled period is the subject of John Rigden's book, which deftly explains what distinguishes 1905 from all other years in the annals of science, and elevates Einstein above all other scientists of the twentieth century.

Rigden chronicles the momentous theories that Einstein put forth beginning in March 1905: his particle theory of light, rejected for decades but now a staple of physics; his overlooked dissertation on molecular dimensions; his theory of Brownian motion; his theory of special relativity; and the work in which his famous equation, E = mc², first appeared. Through his lucid exposition of these ideas, the context in which they were presented, and the impact they had--and still have--on society, Rigden makes the circumstances of Einstein's greatness thoroughly and captivatingly clear. To help readers understand how these ideas continued to develop, he briefly describes Einstein's post-1905 contributions, including the general theory of relativity.

One hundred years after Einstein's prodigious accomplishment, this book invites us to learn about ideas that have influenced our lives in almost inconceivable ways, and to appreciate their author's status as the standard of greatness in twentieth-century science.

Reviews (4)

Only book which consolidates Audio coding & Standards
This book describes the basic details and the Signal Processing behind the Audio compression. It also describes PQMF and MDCT in continuation which is rare in books. Almost all the standard audio codecs are described with comparisons. I am delighted to read the book. At least my search end with this book on this topic. After getting this book, I need not look into IEEE & AES papers. For Audio engineers working on this domain should read this book to have a complete picture and overview of the technology and the domain.

Not satisfying for a nerd like myself...
The book gives a good review of the historical development of audio coding standards with emphasis on ISO. Generally speaking it is well written, but the technical details as well as theoretical aspects are frankly, quite superficial; therefore it is not satisfying for a (proud) nerd like myself. If one's goal is to implement a program to handle the MP3 bitstream, for instance, then the book does not help. If one's goal is to design a new filter bank to improve the MP3 coder, then the book does not help either. However, it is recommended for beginners to get a flavor of the audio coding field.

Touching the core mechanisms underlying digital audio codec.
For a long time in my school life and now as a audio engineer I look forward to this kind of book.
MPEG Audio or AC3 audio standard is rather simple, but the syntax and decoding procedures imply considerably complex algorithms have been included there.
This book explains related theorys - for example filterbanks in detail, psychoacoustics, entropy coding, etc - concretely and expertly. She(Bosi) was one of the leading members in making MPEG Audio Standards.
Strongly recommendable!

First comprehensible book on the topic
This is a 'reference' book for anyone interested in how modern perceptual audio coders work. It is very well written, and complete. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (12)

An introduction to the basic mathematics of physics
This book introduces the reader to the basic mathematical structures of theoretical physics: mainly Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, And Classical Mechanics. I used this at UC San Diego for a year long graduate course on Mathematical methods in physics and engineering. If one has the time, there is really a lot to be gained by carefully studying this book. A big part of the book is geared toward developing in detail the mathematics of the Quantum Theory. This is a good thing because in my experience most QM books are too eager to "get to the physics". It is true that you can get by with a superficial understanding of functional analysis and still do QM, but this book will give you an immensely deeper understanding of the underlying structure of the theory. In particular, the treatment of Green's functions and integral equations is good. There is chapter on Group Theory and it's uses in QM. Also is a chapter on Complex analysis, although it is a wise idea to read a book entirely devoted to this subject. Overall, I like this book very much.

A lot of fun!
The Byron & Fuller provides a serious introduction in mathematics of classical and quantum physics. This book is designed to complement graduate-level physics texts and one of its goal is to introduce the physicist to the language and style of mathematics. Consequently, this book may be really useful to people with strong skills in physics and maths. No doubt that they will have fun reading the theory of vector spaces.
For the others, just like me, not really specialized in physics and maths, but maybe just curious, this book can bring you a lot of fun too. It reminds you of what you may have studied a few years ago... And more than that, you cover with this book other fields of mathematics that are not taught to non specialized students like Hilbert space, quantum physics, theory of analytic functions, Green's functions and integral equations.

To conclude, if you're curious about mathematics and physics, you should buy this book. If you're good at maths and physics, you should already own this book.
And now, with this special price, do the maths!

Terrific book to ramp up and read original papers
If you're tired of reading descriptive physics like Paul Davies' books and want to be able to read the original papers and follow the math, this is the book. It presumes a strong undergraduate math background in some areas but the explanations are clear and the proofs are easy to follow. If you want to read quantum physics, the chapters on vectors and operators will give you the math foundations.

Important Information
This book is not, and I repeat, IS NOT for the inexperienced. This book is a GRADUATE LEVEL TEXT on mathematical physics. If you are an undergraduate student taking a physics class, this book will be of no use to you. I recommend that anyone interested in purchasing this book have a somewhat decent amount of mathematical background. I personally recommend Calculus I-IV, Advanced Calculus and Linear Algebra.
If, though, you have this background, then this book is may just be for you. It is concise, to the point and presents a clear and well written discussion of mathematical physics.
I just felt that before you dive, head first, into the world of mathematical physics, somebody needed to warn you about what you were getting yourself into.

Fantastic
Concise and complete. I find myself coming to this book not only for Physics courses and Physics research, but I find it helpful in most Math courses. This book is a must for anyone in Physics and applied mathematics. ... Read more

Book Description

These exciting books use full-color, and interesting, realistic illustrations to enhance reader comprehension. Also include a large number of worked examples that provide a good balance between initial, confidence building problems and more advanced level problems. Fundamental principles for solving problems are emphasized throughout. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent, Thourough Statics Text
The greatest feature of this book is the generous use of examples throughout. For every type of problem, there is some close example that you can refer to.

Even though I didn't particularly enjoy the class for which this text was assigned, I think that the book itself is a great resource, and should be recognized as so. ... Read more