Customer Reviews

Introduction to Tensor Calculus and Continuum Mechanics

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I don't have much to add to the previous reviewer, but given the astonishing lack of reviews of the book, let me give a second datapoint for those who are considering buying this book.

This book is the most gentle introduction to tensor analysis I've ever seen. It was obviously written by someone who puts a lot of thought into teaching. The book is certainly within reach to advanced undergraduates, and would also be appropriate to beginning graduate students.

Aside from a stellar presentation of the subject, the exercises at the end of the section are marvelous. In fact, I would consider the end-of-section problems to be another one of the book's strengths.

The one thing that this book may lack is the "modern" approach to tensors -- the book definitely focuses on the classic "a tensor is a set of numbers or functions that transform as a tensor" approach. But I don't consider this a weakness. The classic approach is easier to learn, and certainly more accessible. The modern approach to tensor analysis can always be picked up later, but in the meantime, this book makes what could be a very abstract subject very real and tangible.

If you want to learn tensor analysis, or are considering the book to teach from, do yourself a favor and get this book. It's hard to fathom anyone being disappointed by it.

Hmm. I guess I did have some more to add to the previous review. :)

Why is it that no one else has reviewed this book? It stands out totally, in every respect, as a carefully developed teaching manual that both challenges, stimulates and gently leads one on into a rarified esoteric world, by a master of the subject.
The combination of his expertise in the subject matter and his teaching experience has produced a powerful aid to the understanding of tensor calculus and its many applications, to benefit students the world over (many of whom were attracted by his free download of 80% of the final text, for which...thankyou!)

The author vomits the sum total of his knowledge of tensors into your lap. This is how most books labeled as introductions to tensors behave. You may as well buy the cheapest one.

I still find some of the material in this book very hard to follow. However the majority of the material is really well presented and very helpful.

I saw such high ratings here, then bought one. I found this book often lacks detailed explaination and statement, which makes it difficult to clearly and smoothly understand. Unlike some excellent textbooks by which you can easily make a progress every day, I often need to figure out by myself what here means, or why it is like that. Now I use other textbooks, and feel far better.