General Books

Classical Electrodynamics Third Edition

John David Jackson

Amazon Price: $84.38 List Price: $95.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 65 new & used starting at $63.95

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Electrical & Electronics -> Electromagnetic Theory

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 96 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Just Plain Mean 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

According to some other reviews this text makes an excellent reference for professionals. However, they've already taken the tests, and been through the classes. In short they already have their Phd. If you know the majority of readers of your book are coming to you to improve their understanding or learn entirely new material, why would you make difficult stuff even harder by intentionally omitting derivation steps in every section of every chapter. With the deadlines and time constraints associated with student life it's almost impossible to get through all the difficult derivations in the reading before even getting to the sometimes insane problems in a reasonable time. Either try to make the reading as clear as possible, and the problems challenging, or reduce the difficulty of the problems and have the reading challenging like it is now, but don't challenge the usually involuntary student readers with both difficulties. I may change my opinion later, but for now I feel that the level of difficulty and style of this text is based largely on the cruelty of the author.

Editorial Review:

A revision of the defining book covering the physics and classical mathematics necessary to understand electromagnetic fields in materials and at surfaces and interfaces. The third edition has been revised to address the changes in emphasis and applications that have occurred in the past twenty years.

Understanding Firearm Ballistics

Robert A. Rinker

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Mulberry House Pub Co Amazon Marketplace: 4 new & used starting at $16.47

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Subjects -> Science -> Physics -> Solid-State Physics -> General
Subjects -> Science -> Physics -> Solid-State Physics -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A Big Disappointment 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I bought the 4th edition (13th printing - 2003), and I thought it was awful. I forced myself to read the entire book, and it was a very painful experience. A lot of the equations are repeated, but no effort is made to make the notation and symbols used consistent from one use of a given equation to another (for example, "w" is used for a variable in an equation, but "a" is used for the same variable in the same equation later in the text). I could find no obvious flaws in the equations, but the text explanations of the equations were either very, very confusing or downright wrong. Some of Mr. Rinker's discussions of physical principles, such as gyroscopic stability for example, gave me the impression he doesn't have a good understanding of the subjects because I believe I can give much simpler and clearer non-mathematical explanations than he does for just about every single physical principal he "explains" in the book. That may sound arrogant, but I used to be a physics professor and I've taught several physics courses for non-science majors that covered just about all of the physics topics discussed in the book. I base my "arrogant" statement on this teaching experience, student-faculty reviews, and the performance of my former students on exams and quizzes.

So, my low opinion of the book probably is because I am a physicist and the book is not written for physicists, and I'm one of those weird people who like the math. In several places in the book, the author points out that the equations have been checked by experts from NASA, etc. so they are right. (At one point Mr. Rinker actually asserts that there are no errors, so if the reader is getting wrong results it's because the reader doesn't know what he's doing.) I suspect the book gets glowing reviews from several sources (not just Amazon.com customers) because to my knowledge it's the only book out there on firearm ballistics that targets the non-technically-trained shooters. That is very unfortunate because I can't help thinking that the book promotes misunderstandings by people who can't tell that a lot of the physics explanations are garbage. In addition to the technical flaws, the way the text was organized seems very disjointed - like he took excerpts of notes he's written over the years and just added them all together without editing to make sure they flowed together to provide a cohesive description.

As I mentioned, I have the 4th edition of the book, and I know it is now in its 6th edition. Perhaps some of my complaints have been addressed in later printings, but I would be surprised if they have been.

Editorial Review:

The new greatly improved 6th Edition - Copyright 2005 - with better charts, easier math, better drawings, and improved readability. Understanding Firearm Ballistics explains the subject in understandable terms. The original text has been line edited, improved & expanded with up-to-date explanations and examples. The only complete reference book of extensive information with 432 pages of little known facts. A complete guide that is full of valuable data with illustrations, drawings, charts, tables, tips, glossary, index, and detailed factual information. Understanding Firearm Ballistics, 6th Edition, is a must for beginner or expert.

Introduction to Solid State Physics

Charles Kittel

Amazon Price: $93.51 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 75 new & used starting at $63.65

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 42 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

I'm sorry 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Hey guys, so my friend and I are trying to work through a problem set in our solid state physics course at UC Berkeley and as you might imagine, because Kittel was one of our professors, the department likes to use his books. We love ourselves. Unfortunately for us undergrads (and all of you) we are forced to use his book. Now our problem sets reeeally shouldn't be too much of a problem. For instance, we were asked to solve something for x-ray diffraction and though we had a little bit of an understanding a la Kittel, we found that that little tidbit of knowledge could not in fact be used with confronted with data or a simple experimental setup. There are simply no examples. We have not read Ashcroft or the other books suggested, but after I write this review, we will certainly be out there to purchase another book.

I just wanted to say that I'm sorry we harbored the professor that wrote ths book. I'm sure he's not a bad guy. I know it's hard to write coherently, but seriously this is ridiculous.

Editorial Review:

Since the publication of the first edition over 50 years ago, Introduction to Solid State Physics has been the standard solid state physics text for physics students. The author's goal from the beginning has been to write a book that is accessible to undergraduates and consistently teachable. The emphasis in the book has always been on physics rather than formal mathematics. With each new edition, the author has attempted to add important new developments in the field without sacrificing the book's accessibility and teachability.

* A very important chapter on nanophysics has been written by an active worker in the field. This field is the liveliest addition to solid state science during the past ten years
* The text uses the simplifications made possible by the wide availability of computer technology. Searches using keywords on a search engine (such as Google) easily generate many fresh and useful references

The Physics of Solar Cells (Properties of Semiconductor Materials)

Jenny Nelson

Amazon Price: $46.80 List Price: $52.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Imperial College Press Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $41.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very good coverage 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book provides a well thought out introduction to the physics of photovoltaic cells and systems. The treatment provides mathematical details at a level that will be accessible to science and engineering graduates and upper class undergraduates. Some derivations are not as well explained as others. However, the working relationships are worth knowing and can serve as a lead into other references. The book is well worth its relatively modest cost.

Editorial Review:

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics of the photovoltaic cell. It is suitable for undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers new to the field. It covers: basic physics of semiconductors in photovoltaic devices; physical models of solar cell operation; characteristics and design of common types of solar cell; and approaches to increasing solar cell efficiency. The text explains the terms and concepts of solar cell device physics and shows the reader how to formulate and solve relevant physical problems. Exercises and worked solutions are included.

Contents: Photons In, Electrons Out: Basic Principles of PV; Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors; Generation and Recombination; Junctions; Analysis of the p n Junction; Monocrystalline Solar Cells; Thin Film Solar Cells; Managing Light; Over the Limit: Strategies for Higher Efficiency.

Solid State Physics

Neil W. Ashcroft, N. David Mermin

Amazon Price: $173.56 List Price: $216.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Brooks Cole Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $68.97

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Good intro to a growing science 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

The 20th century saw the birth of quantum mechanics, and its connection with physics, chemistry and engineering to form the discipline collectively known as solid state science. Dealing with the properties of solids at the atomic-scale, the advances in this field have made the entire Digital Age possible. As such, the literature, both educational and scientific, in this field has grown exponentially over the past 50 years. One of the best books in this field is Solid State Physics by Ashcroft and Mermin. This extremely thorough book covers the field from basic crystallography and bonding models up through magnetic, optical, and superconducting properties. The book includes lots of derivations, sample problems, and all the important equations. Also, the book covers both experimental techniques used in solid state science, and the growing field of computer simulations, especially those using density functional theory. All in all a great book to read for those working in or planning to work in this field.

Editorial Review:

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of solid state physics for undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, engineering, and materials science.

Physics Demystified : A Self-Teaching Guide (Demystified)

Stan Gibilisco

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: McGraw-Hill Professional Amazon Marketplace: 131 new & used starting at $2.56

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Not for beginners 1 out of 5 stars.
7 of 10 people found this review helpful.

The back of this book says simple enough for beginners, but IT IS NOT! I think if you have been over physics before this book "could" be helpful, but not for someone seeing this stuff for the first time. The refresher part only states some facts about pre-physics material, but doesn't explain why it is stated. The tests after each chapter ask about material outside the book that is not even covered. I will be taking this book back for a refund and getting the "for dummies" version.

very disappointing 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I knew physics was going to be difficult for me, this book made it worse. it spends a greater part of the book going over basics of math up to trig. all the way to chapter 7 almost (half the book!!!)its all basics and hardly any physics. concepts covered were not detailed enough and I found the quizzes useless since information to accomplish them were vague and useless. oh well .... I'll take it again next semester.

***Personally, I suggest you visit your local borders etc... and spend an hour or so reading through it to see if it suits your needs.... that's just me ... I wish I had!***

Editorial Review:

* Unlike most books on the topic, this one utilizes a "top down" approach--general concepts are presented first and details follow
* For the most user-friendly and clear style possible, formulas and equations are used when necessary, but mathematics does not overwhelm the presentation

Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity

Sean Carroll

Amazon Price: $90.13 List Price: $112.67 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Benjamin Cummings Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $70.25

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great Book But Won't Get You To The Promised Land 5 out of 5 stars.
86 of 88 people found this review helpful.

My comments come with a few caveats.

1. This is my fourth GR book.
2. I'm not hardcore into physics. I'm not a physic grad and I'm reading GR for fun. I have a decent graduate math background but I've been corrupted with 10+ years in working in various roles software engineering, electronics engineering and marketing.
3. I assume that since you're considering buying this book, you're goal is to get at the "real" GR, not the watered down discover channel version.

With these caveats in mind, here are my comments.

First, on a scale of 1-5, I rank Carroll at level 3 in terms of math/physics maturity and thoroughness. Here is my full ranking of authors from my limited reading: 1. schutz 2. hartle 3. penrose 3. carroll 4. wald 5. physics journal articles

Second, using the rankings above, I recommend Carroll as the second port of entry. If you're comfortable with multivariable calculus, start with schutz (#1). You'll get warm fuzzies doing the toy exercises. But Schutz is tensor/math-lite. If you've had advanced calculus and geometry already, jump in with carroll (#3). But you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone else as polite to the reader. He won't prepare you for 80 percent of what's published. If you're ready to throw off the training wheels and jump dive into mainstream GR go with Wald (#4).

Note that Hartle (#2) is a good "tweener" book with feel-good exercises and some of the full-on GR equations at the end. I bet most instructors teaching a first year grad course would go with Hartle along with a dose of supplementary material.

Third, don't expect Carroll to be your last GR book purchase if you want to reach the promised land (see caveat #4). Living and breathing GR is found in physics journals and for that you'll need Wald or another advanced GR book.

Editorial Review:

Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity provides a lucid and thoroughly modern introduction to general relativity. With an accessible and lively writing style, it introduces modern techniques to what can often be a formal and intimidating subject. Readers are led from the physics of flat spacetime (special relativity), through the intricacies of differential geometry and Einstein's equations, and on to exciting applications such as black holes, gravitational radiation, and cosmology. For advanced undergraduates and graduate students, or anyone interested in astronomy, cosmology, physics, or general relativity.

A Guide to Feynman Diagrams in the Many-Body Problem (Dover Books on Physics and Chemistry)

Richard D. Mattuck

Amazon Price: $12.89 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Dover Publications Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $7.95

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A perfect introduction to statistical physics 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 15 people found this review helpful.

This is the best book I found about Statistical Physics at an introductory level. It is a kind of book you can read almost as a novel, with a lot of examples and very clear. It is definitely the most pedagogical book about Statistical Physics ever.

Excellent, but maybe not enough 4 out of 5 stars.
11 of 13 people found this review helpful.

This is indeed an excellent book. Witty and insightful, but sometimes the ease, with which you're lead through it, is in the way of stressing the really important stuff. If you are learning diagrams for the first time, and intend to do some serious research using the technique, I believe this book is just not enough: it will leave you unprepared to do much beyond the problems in the book. You might want to consult a more rigorous book, like that of Abrikosov et al., but the style may be a bit of a shock to those not used to the Russian "condensed writing". As an introduction that is less painful, and more of a textbook, I suggest Fetter and Walecka's book, though it's out of print.

Editorial Review:

Superb introduction for non-specialists to important area of modern physics. Major concepts—Feynman diagrams, quasi particles, Fermi systems at finite temperature, superconductivity, vacuum amplitude, more. Also Dyson’s equation, ladder approximation, much else. Exercises. Second (1974) edition. "...a great delight to read."—Physics Today.

Electromagnetism

Gerald Pollack, Daniel Stump

Amazon Price: $89.25 List Price: $124.20 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Addison Wesley Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $71.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

This is THE book to get to study E/M 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Whether you are a student in engineering or physics field, you should get this book. The author is terrific in explaining things. It's complete and to-the-point. After reading this book, not only would your understanding of E/M increase tenfold, your mathematical ability strengthens along with it too!

This book is not really for 100% beginner. You must be rather well versed in vector calculus.

My only complaint about this book is that only about 3 pages are devoted to discussing numerical methods, which is not sufficient from my point of view. Despite this shortcoming, THIS BOOK IS BY FAR THE BEST!!! Buy it with Griffith's book, this is ALL you'll ever need to learn E/M!!

Editorial Review:

Electromagnetism sets a new standard in physics education. Throughout the book, the theory is illustrated with real-life applications in modern technology. It also includes detailed worked examples and step-by-step explanations to help readers develop their problem-solving strategies and skills and consolidate their understanding. In addition to a meticulous development of these traditional, analytical mathematical approaches, readers are also introduced to a range of techniques required for solving problems using computers. Electromagnetism provides an ideal preparation for students who plan more advanced studies in electrodynamics as well as those moving into industry or engineering.

Photoshop 7 Bible, Professional Edition

Deke McClelland

Amazon Price: $37.79 List Price: $59.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $7.79

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Use this as a reference book once you already know PS 5 out of 5 stars.
15 of 15 people found this review helpful.

This book describes the fine intricacies of all the tools, the filters and the features of Photoshop. Where other books lead you through lessons and tell you to set X tool preference to Y, and you may happily use the Y preference for years without even knowing there is also a Z preference, this book explains all the preferences for all the tools and gives illustrated examples of what the various settings produce.

I wanted to force myself to sit down and read this thing cover to cover to get an in-depth knowledge of everything Photoshop, but after 2 chapters of reading I just couldn't go on in this manner. For me, the best use of this book is as a reference when I have a question about a particular tool or technique. I'll read a few pages to get the particulars, then I put the book back up on the shelf until the next question arises.

This version has lots of nice color plates and paging through it can be inspirational when I'm stuck for a design idea. Especially if I'm burned out on surfing online for ideas.

The one irritating factor about this book is the author's sense of humor interspersed throughout. I understand that he's trying to make a technical subject friendly, approachable and enjoyable, but the humor just comes across as extremely corny. This is a plague I've noticed infecting many of today's authors of software books.

Dear Authors,unless you are absolutely certain that people other than family and close friends consider you funny, please leave the humor out or hire a professional to help. Thank you.

I still give this book highest marks because
1)it is so absolutely thorough
2)the author knows his stuff and can communicate it well (even if there is a bit of dorky humor in it) and
3)since I use it as a reference book, the humor only comes in small, managable chunks.

Editorial Review:

* Picks up where the classic Photoshop 7 Bible (0-7645-3694-X) ends, with bonus color pages and topics for highend users
* Graphic artists and Web designers will flock to this special Bible edition-a peerless professional resource from a bestselling Photoshop guru
* Includes 320 color pages of exciting images and instruction for the experienced user
* Provides expanded coverage of advanced topics such as creating and optimizing Web graphics, using filters, convolution kernels and displacement maps, actions and batch processing, ImageReady, and more