Customer Reviews

Introduction to Vector Analysis

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

 

 

I have the third edition and the latest edition of this book. In my opinion, the later editions have been dumbed down considerably. In addition to developing the basics of vector analysis, the older editions included splendid discussions of curvilinear coordinates, tensor analysis and touched on differential forms (the wedge product being introduced). While the latest edition features appendices covering specific applications such as Maxwells and Navier-Stokes equations, the explanations are far too brief to be of much use. I suggest that interested parties attempt to get used older editions whose content were presumably under the control of Davis (not Snider) being much better written and probably less expensive. The older edition had few typos with very useful and entertaining problem sets. A better alternative book might be "Vectors and Tensors in Engineering and Physics" by Donald A. Danielson in paperback.

This book was used in my vector calculus class at UCSD. I think if I was in one of my upper division engineering classes it would be great to use as a reference to help me figure out problems. However, as a math book alone, this was not too helpful. Many of the explanations lack clarity and are from a mathmatician's point of view (in other words, very difficult for lower division students who are not math majors to understand). Also, a lot of the problems are practically impossible. The only reason I did alright in this class was because I had a great teacher. I would recommend this book for people who are in science or engineering classes and need a superficial introduction to vector calculus, but NOT for math classes that go into deep analysis of vectors.

This text presents each subject in a very clear manner. Every subject is developed in concise proofs that are easy to remember and satisfying to those who require mathematical proofs to understand the derivation of the subjects but are not interested in long-winded theory. After each section's quick and dirty derivation, the authors provide a small yet effective selection of challenging questions to be able to gain confidence in the subject. The style of the book is also refreshing in this age of heavy books with flashy photos and wasted space. This book includes 408 pages full of useful mathematics and vector diagrams but nothing else; the book is very light and small. This is a classic.

I just finished a class on Vector Analysis that used this book. This book is good for those who are interested in vectors. The authors start off with the basics and then move quickly to the more difficult lessons. Basically this text treats the material the same as a calculus text does with a couple of exceptions. First, the book moves more quickly than a calculus text, so if you are shaky on the first part i would advise having a calculus book there with you. Second, this book shows the proofs in a more precise manner that the calculus text that I used (Stewart). You study the same equations and theories, but now you have harder exercises to do at the end of the chapter (with most of the answers in the back of the book). So I would recommend this book to those interested in vectors who are familiar with them. Otherwise you may want to look at a calculus book to get up to speed first.

Even though the latest editions have been dumbed down considerably by Snider, what remains of Harry F. Davis are still far better than the similar book by Marsden and Tromba.

For example the introduction uses the word roughly, which is an important qualification. When i read parts of Gibbs original book (available free on-line), Elements of Vector Analysis, i see that he left some wiggle room in his definition. I don't think this was unintentional. For it makes Gibb's text quite adequate even for today's scientists and engineers. Gibbs probably anticipated others working on a more exact definition than his work provided (though not by Procustean means and methods as is common today).

Anyway on page 1, here's Davis-Snyder defition:

"Roughly speaking a vector is a quantity that has direction as well as magnitude."

the most important fact is that the previous edition is identical. they've just reaarranged some topics. so if you have to buy the book get the 6th edition and save some money. (can't speak for earlier editions).
other than the last chapters of stewart's calculus text, and the popular text by Marsden, this is the only vector calculus i've read so i don't have much to compare it to. it has pretty good sections on tensors which is why they use the book here at new mexico tech. the problems are doable but can take some time. there are answers to many of the problems but not all the odd ones.
it's not an easy read but i think it reads better than Marsden. everytime i turned to Marsden for help, i found it more inscrutable.
when i retire i'll make a comparison. until then, you're probably stuck with whatever your instructor sticks you with. and as with all texts, there's probably something better tailored for your particular brain in the library.

I agree with the previous reviewer that this book is for engineers. After several years of finishing engineering, I am still using this book as a reference. It has given me a deeper understanding of vectors so that I could actually use it anywhere a vector quantity is encountered.
Dev

I read it and I think it is *really* good (!) It avoids the abstract mathematical notation, but all the concepts are clearly explained, with lots of figures, and deep geometrical and physical intuition. I read many books on this subject in order to understand fluid mechanics and elementary electromagnetism, this is the best one. Even better than many physics books ! I don't know lots about mathematicians, but as a physician, you just have to read it !

This has to be one of the worst math books on the market. While it starts off OK (with the review of vector addition and algebra), the treatment of later material is terrible. The authors provide skimpy and disorganized explanations with insanely difficult problems. Get a good teacher for this class (or a better book) or you'll be in for a rough ride.

I am a math student at UCSD and this book has a reputation on campus for being *really* bad.