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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Information a wannabe physicist can use, August 8, 2001
This review is from: The Charm of Strange Quarks : Mysteries and Revolutions of Particle Physics (Hardcover)
I wanted a book that would provide me a readable introduction to the world of particle physics. My days at university are a distant memory and I didn't want to wade through reams of notes or a modern text book just so I could satisfy my mild interest in knowing a little more about the subject. The Charm of Strange Quarks was just what I needed. Not only did it provide me with the theory, but also stimulated my interest by giving some historical background. The theory is presented in a simple structured manner, but is also sufficiently challenging to keep me humble in any desire I may have to become an instant particle physicist. My only two minor irritations: Firstly I did not find the sequence of presenting the theory and the use of Appendices helpful. It made me feel that I was being shown one thing then before I got really familiar with it I would be whisked off to be shown something else and expected to put it all together myself. Secondly I would have liked a couple of new side bar type boxes to be included headed "... and in plain English!" and "This is what it means to you". The side bars and boxes that are included are very interesting and helpful. I have no idea what a true particle physicist would think of the book, but for me it is exactly what I was looking for and will remain on my bookshelf for further exploration when I feel like taking my brain out for some exercise.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Simple. Very simple., February 19, 2005
This review is from: The Charm of Strange Quarks : Mysteries and Revolutions of Particle Physics (Hardcover)
Simple is both good and bad here. I've had a lingering interest in partticle phyics for years and bought this book when the university bookstore was clearing shelves. It is not the first book I've read on this stuff, but perhaps the most comprehensive attempt to cover a large subject. My frustrations came from knowing, on very few occasions, more than the book would tell. Too often fascinating subject matter is shown to you just long enough to pique your curiosity before they switch gears. Thus you are frequently left with an incomplete picture of processes that are, in ways, less complicated that they seem from the text with its lack of clarifying details. With some more thorough explanations this book could be fantastic.
For an overview and a primer this book stil beats the subatmoic snot out of all the other books I've read, and would be the only one I'd recommend to a novice "layperson."
Be careful about where you read this book, though. On a few occasions I was approached by a young lady at a local coffee shop to "what are you reading?" Yeah, particle physics textbooks don't always impress people in the most favorable ways. I still love it though.
Buy this book and learn something new and massively intriguing.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great introduction to concepts of particle physics, January 28, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: The Charm of Strange Quarks : Mysteries and Revolutions of Particle Physics (Hardcover)
I found this book easy to read and fun. Ive gone back to it several times and still enjoy it each time I open the pages. With only a highschool backround but an interest in science, I would recommend this book for those who are curious about the world around us but dont have the time or the math skills to grind through a deeper introduction.
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