Differential Geometry, Gauge Theories, and Gravity (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) [Hardcover]

M. Göckeler (Author), T. Schücker (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521329604 | ISBN-13: 978-0521329606 | Publication Date: December 25, 1987

Using a self-contained and concise treatment of modern differential geometry, this book will be of great interest to graduate students and researchers in applied mathematics or theoretical physics working in field theory, particle physics, or general relativity. The authors begin with an elementary presentation of differential forms. This formalism is then used to discuss physical examples, followed by a generalization of the mathematics and physics presented to manifolds. The book emphasizes the applications of differential geometry concerned with gauge theories in particle physics and general relativity. Topics discussed include Yang-Mills theories, gravity, fiber bundles, monopoles, instantons, spinors, and anomalies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a very beautifully and elegantly written introduction to those areas of modern differential geometry that either now play, or presumably will play, a role in particle physics and general relativity." SIAM Review

Book Description

Emphasizing the applications of differential geometry to gauge theories in particle physics and general relativity, this work will be of special interest for researchers in applied mathematics or theoretical physics.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (December 25, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521329604
• ISBN-13: 978-0521329606
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,424,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, big picture treatment of the subject, February 14, 2001

By 

Ty Kain "Kanos" (New Joisay, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Differential Geometry, Gauge Theories, and Gravity (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) (Paperback)

This text, while lacking in rigour and detail, is an ideal supplement for self-study or lectures on modern mathematical methods in physics. In fact, it is precisely its lack of detail that allows it to act as the yin to the yang of other, weightier texts. Most books on this subject obscure the big picture behind their equations, reducing pleasant geometry to the grimy level of analysis. No such crime is committed here, and the reader is much the better for it. To be sure, this is not a stand-alone text - to not delve into the details would only enter the reader into the false security of ignorance. However, it is most definitely a must-have book for anyone interested in modern physics and mathematics.

Recommended texts to accompany this one are: 1) Geometry of Physics, Frankel 2) Intro to Lie Algebras & Rep. Th., Humphreys 3) Geometry, Topology,& Physics, Nakahara (another useful survey) 4) Spin Geometry, Lawson & Michelson

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent introduction to relevant topics!, April 18, 2000

By 

Keifer (Taiwan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Differential Geometry, Gauge Theories, and Gravity (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) (Paperback)

This is a concise introduction to applications of differential geometry on some improtant topics in physics, such as gauge theories, gravity...etc. Despite its size (which is rather comfortable for readers who prefer less abstract definitions and theorems), nothing essential to the spirit of the topics has been missed, I personally think it sure is one of the excellent books on these subjects and am glad to recommand it to you all who love and want to discover the geometric aspects of physics!

5.0 out of 5 stars An austere beauty, a wonder of clarity and concison, November 18, 2011

By 

bjflanagan "Brian J Flanagan" (Far Periphery) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Differential Geometry, Gauge Theories, and Gravity (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) (Paperback)

This text belongs with 'Analysis, Manifolds and Physics' by Choquet-Bruhat et al. and other contemporary classics in mathematical physics. Ryder's 'Quantum Field Theory' and the books by Nash and Sen would also make the list -- texts which take one into the heart of the matter in a lucid, logical progression through the essential ideas.