World Famous Comics: Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell
Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell
By: A. Zee Publisher: Princeton University Press Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 518 Publication Date: March 10, 2003 Studio: Princeton University Press
Product 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.
"I and the A and the Zee" ^ The second edition corrects the only two flaws in the first: (1) Mr Zee had failed to praise himself sufficiently highly, and (2) Mr Zee had failed to censure his critics sufficiently harshly. Having remedied these deficiencies, Mr Zee has created the perfect book.
Not for dummies. ^ I was tempted to give this book four stars, simply to stand out among the sea of five star reviews, but I cannot, for this book truly is deserving of five stars. This is indeed a wonderful book, though it is not the mythic "one field theory text you will ever need" or the book that can make Sarah Palin understand instantons.
This book covers quite a bit of ground, but that does not mean it is shallow. I've read some crap textbooks whose authors try to cram every topic under the sun into the table of contents, but do nothing to convey any real understanding (I'm looking at you Professor Kaku). This book is at the other end of the spectrum.
In physics identifying the truly interesting questions usually proves to be more difficult than performing the calculations, and what this book does really well is show what the interesting questions are and why they are interesting. If the calculational details Zee presents are too sparse, and I think they are in a few places, you can always find more information on the interwebs.
I especially liked the occasional jabs Zee takes at those types who like to whine about a lack of rigor. To paraphrase the world's most interesting man, there is a time and place for rigor in quantum field theory. The time is never, I'll let you figure out the place on your own.
An outstanding textbook. ^ This is a wonderful textbook, by an experienced and skilled expositor. It takes material of great difficulty and makes it as clear and understandable as possible. The chapters are short, so the students never feels overwhelmed by a large volume of material. The Appendices on Group Theory and the Feynman Rules are most helpful, as is the appendix containing solutions to selected exercises. Finally, it is pleasant to see material at this level presented with a warm sense of humor. I wish this book had been available when I was a student. My only adverse comment is that the book could be better still if it didn't spend half a dozen or so pages at the beginning extolling its own praises.
Required reading for any modern physicist ^ If you wish to learn quantum field theory, and have never been exposed to the subject before (except perhaps briefly mentioned at the end of quantum mechanics course). This book is for you! In fact, read it even if you are one of the premiere experts. It is indeed similar to the Feynmann lectures in its appeal.
Actually, I recommend the following sequence after finishing quantum mechanics. First read an undergraduate level book on particle physics (say Griffiths), and then read this book.
In fact, its one of those books you can read on the plane, as its so wonderfully intuitive, you don't really need to get your hands dirty too much (that comes later when you take a full course and use Srednicki or Peskin, which are more nuts and bolts).
I can't emphasize how much time you save by reading through this book, even if its only cursory. Difficult, technical concepts that are hopelessly opaque in other books, here seem almost trivial. Once you know where things are going, and are used to the notation and vernacular the actual calculations do in fact simplify and a student will save a ridiculous amount of time.
Now, you can of course treat this book more seriously, and run through all the exercises (they are pretty good), but unfortunately Zee covers so much material you do often find yourself wishing for a little more depth on any one subject. That comes from other books.
Great book! ^ This is undoubtedly the best book I have ever read about the subject. Zee does a fantastic job explaining quantum field theory, in a way I have never seen before, and I have read most of the other books on this topic. If you are looking for quantum field theory explanations that are clear, precise, concise, intuitive, and fun to read--this is the book for you.
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