The Art of Electronics: A Tale of Three Tomes

A sad truth for physics education within the United Kingdom is the decline and near obliteration of hands-on electronics training from the syllabus. It is often argued that this is a sign of changing times and that undergraduates must be prepared for the challenges of a modern-day workforce; nevertheless, electronics remain an integral (and importantly fun) field of study in an evermore technological world. 

Once hailed primarily in its earlier editions as a biblical-level reference on electronics and circuit design; the Art of Electronics and its enriching complementary material has become perhaps the only solid instruction available to undergraduates (or researchers in need of technical design advice) wanting a practical education in electronics. 

The (now) series is a combination of three (comprehensive but heavy) tomes: The Art of Electronics: 3rd Edition; The Art of Electronics: The X chapters, and Learning The Art of Electronics: A Hands-On Lab Course. 

The first (and oldest) of the set is an updated version of the original text is remains the definitive compendium on all things electronics. Not only does it give information on circuit design and type of component, but it also gives advice on where to source the necessary equipment. 

Secondly, if one finds themselves running out of entertainment in the first tome, the X chapters provide an exciting extension into more specialised advanced topics (such as advanced battery design and operational amplifiers). I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the non-idealised components in electronics.

Finally,  (and the most applicable to my issues with current electronics education) Learning the Art of Electronics provides a well-paced, self-guided course for anyone  (who realistically has completed one year of undergraduate studies prior) wanting to get into electronics. The book is written at a significantly slower pace than the first two tomes, which makes it the ideal text to begin learning electronics properly. 

Perhaps the most prevailing reference to its character remains in its enjoyment within circles of hobby electronics practitioners. This remains a testament to its easygoing nature, which has kept readers coming back for over 4 decades.  

The Art of Electronics (3rd Edition) 

By Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill

ISBN: 9780521809269

Publication Date: 02-04-2015

Price: £78.99 GBP 


The Art of Electronics: The x Chapters

By Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill

ISBN: 9781108499941

Publication Date: 30-01-2020

Price: £50.99 GBP


Learning the Art of Electronics: A Hands-On Lab Course

By Thomas C. Hayes and Paul Horowitz

ISBN: 9780521177238

Publication Date: 03-03-2016 

Price: £54.99 GBP




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