Physical Mathematics: A Compendium of Brilliant Introductions

 Physical Mathematics is textbook which strikes the right balance of advanced material (needed at the graduate or research level) and pedagogical explanations. It should be first noted that this text is certainly not aimed at beginner or intermediate undergraduates, and is most certainly not written for those outside physics. Nevertheless, it is this narrow audience that aids in the success of this volume. Through the text, there are many interesting and well-laid connections to the physics which utilises these mathematical techniques. Numerous examples (covering family difficult problems) are distributed evenly in the text, which further aids the readers understanding of the topics. 

On the mathematical front, the text successfully tackles difficult subjects that other textbooks often gloss over (such as Green functions and differential forms), provide unique and approachable explanations that are often hard to find elsewhere. 

Moreover, the latter half of the book also gives perhaps the best introduction to advanced mathematical physics topics I have seen. The text delves into first in (both special and general) relativity, which is covered in a large amount of detail.It then turns to some more specialised material (found seldom elsewhere) such as fractals and chaos. Before ending on the best introduction to string theory I have seen anywhere. 

What compels this volume most to the reader is its completeness. Whether you want a refresher or are interested in a nice introduction into an unfamiliar topic, there is something here for everyone. 


Physical Mathematics by Kevin Cahill, 2nd Edition. 

ISBN:  9781108470032

Price: £ 68.99



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