Electromagnetic Fields and Interactions (Blaisdell Book in the Pure and Applied Sciences.) [Paperback]

Richard Becker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 17, 2012 | ISBN-10: 0486642909 | ISBN-13: 978-0486642901

The most definitive translation available, this classic introduction includes a valuable self-contained section on quantum theory. Based on research by the great Harvard science historian Gerald Holton, it clearly explains Maxwell's and Dirac's field equations and contains a profound discussion and elegant use of the Helmholtz theorem on vector fields. Problems with solutions. 148 illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 864 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (May 17, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486642909
• ISBN-13: 978-0486642901
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #538,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Arguably the text where Einstein learnt Maxwell theory, July 18, 1998

By 

henrique fleming - See all my reviews

This review is from: Electromagnetic Fields and Interactions (Blaisdell Book in the Pure and Applied Sciences.) (Paperback)

Yes, this is the result of a research by Gerald Holton, the great science historian from Harvard. This is the latest rendition of the famous Abraham-Becker, which, in turn, descended from the text by Foppl, where Einstein scribbled his doubts. A great book for anyone, though. Crisp, conceptually very sound. Great discussion, and elegant use of the Helmholtz theorem on vector fields ("if you know the Div and the Curl, you know everything"). Very good treatment of relativistic electromagnetism, perhaps the best, very concrete and tied to experiments. Becker was a great science writer. In this Dover edition you get the bonus of Becker's lectures on Quantum Mechanics, very valuable by themselves. I love this book, and have taught from it many times.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Electromagnetic Fields and the Theory of Relativity, March 15, 2006

By 

Eugenio Tabet (Rome, Italy) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Electromagnetic Fields and Interactions (Blaisdell Book in the Pure and Applied Sciences.) (Paperback)

In my opinion, this is one of the best books ever written on the electromagnetic theory and on the theoretical and experimental basis of the special theory of realtivity. The part on the quantum theory mantains the same high standard of the first part, which derives from the well known "Theorie der Electrizitat".

The interplay between theory and experiment, the clarity of the mathematical proofs, even the simple drawings that help in understanding some mathematical points, are at the highest level. This is one of the unfrequent cases in which the notion of "classical" applies in a full fashion. I would recommend this book to all those who wish to undertake, at a University level, the study of the fundamentals of theoretical physics.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly explains Maxwell and Dirac field equations!, January 25, 2009

By 

Kenneth C. Crandall "quantum mechanic" (Sunnyvale, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Electromagnetic Fields and Interactions (Blaisdell Book in the Pure and Applied Sciences.) (Paperback)

I love this book too. You can take it with you to a remote island and totally digest Maxwell and Dirac without need for any other books. Very self contained and clearly written. It's a keeper.