Customer Reviews

Principles of General Thermodynamics

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This is a text most suited for a second course of thermodynamics or for graduate students. Its treatment of thermodynamics is much more rational and structured than most college thermodynamics texts. The authors reduce the postulates of thermodynamics to two basic principles, and derive the 0th to 2nd laws from them, as well as the state principle and even Newton's 2nd law. They go on to present basic thermodynamic principles generally following Caratheodory's approach. One major drawback of this book is, of course, its price. However, for libraries in technical colleges and universities, this book is a must.

This textbook was passed onto me by my previous supervisor.

I have always been looking for a thermo book that is exactly like that. Every concept is self-contained, and presented formally (mathematically and verbally) and succinctly. More impotantly, with this book I can teach these concepts myself, and can be referred to *quickly* in the future. It is both a beautiful textbook, and a handy reference book.

Historically, the evolution of human understanding on the subject of heat and thermodynamics was best described as "a big mess". This book finally brought (almost) absolute order.

Indeed, it is sad to see that this book is not really in print, and is very expensive (new). I am very fortunate to have my hand on it.

If you're looking for a thermodynamics book that gives you brief yet profound understanding of the concept without resorting to fancy computerized illustration, this is the book that you might want to have.

It covers almost any aspect of thermodynamics (Onsager's irreversible thermodynamics, the condition for stable/meta-stable equilibrium, etc)

The only shortcoming is that one needs a basic or intermediate background to read this. It's highly recommended for senior undergrad or graduate student.