The classical theory of fields, (Addison-Wesley physics series)

by E. M. Lifshit︠s︡ and L.D. Landau

Book Overview

Translated from the 6th Russian edition, this latest edition contains seven new sections with chapters on General Relativity, Gravitational Waves and Relativistic Cosmology, where Professor Lifshitz's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0007DT8BC
• Release Date: January 1951
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Press
• Length: 354 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A classic text

Yes. The writing is clear and concise. The book is packed with information. This book is for those who want to do physics, and it teaches one to do physics the way physicists do it. It is the second volume in L & L's Course on Theoretical Physics; it follows the volume on Mechanics. And the next logical topic is relativity. So this book starts out with special relativity, four-vectors, relativistic mechanics, and particle decay and scattering. But then we proceed to what I think really needs to come next, namely a discussion of electromagnetic fields. We derive Maxwell's equations. We learn a little about optics. And then we get to the field of moving charges, and radiation of electromagnetic waves. These are very important topics. If I were teaching a class on relativity, I'd make good use of these two chapters. I think it is very instructive to learn about the field of an accelerating charge. The sections on general relativity are especially well written. And we learn how to work all sorts of general relativity problems, such as finding the radiated energy and angular momentum loss for a system of two bodies moving in elliptical orbits. The icing on the cake is a short chapter on cosmology. This is the way to learn physics.

The ultimate treatise on classical field theory

This book is simply the best treatment of the subject that can be found. Period. Having been written by Landau it comes with the guarantee that the material is presented in the most elegant, yet logically consistent manner possible. And this book delivers all of that and more. Similar to the approach in "Mechanics" the principle of least action plays a prominent role in all the theories: relativistic mechanics, electromagnetic theory and Einstein GR. As a result Landau develops the whole material through very plausible and very physical arguments, thus providing a very deep understanding for the material.To put it simply, the derivation of Maxwell's equations are stunning. I have never seen a clearer, more convincing treatment. And as we have come to expect from this series, it is almost impossible to find any flaws(except for some typos which unfortunately still exist even in the most recent reprint.) The sections on radiation of electromagnetic waves and The treatment of relativity is very consice and it is rather unfortunate that we could not get a more detailed exposition on the subject from Landau. It would have been extremely interesting to see what Landau would have had to say had he written this section after the "Golden Area for Black Holes Rsearch" As it is the discussion of Relativity from, as is to be expected, a principle of least action(Hilbert Action) is very cleverly done. Every section of the book is very physically motivated rather than purely geometric arguments. Reading this book gives you a fairly good intuitive understanding for the actual physics involved rather than simply an ability to write and solve field equations.It might be a very good idea to read some sections of their Vol1. on Mechanics before attemting this book, with special attention to Chapters 1,2 and the last chapter on the Hamiltonian treatment.But all in all, this is probably one of my favorite books both in terms of contect as well as sheer elegance of presentation. A geneuine masterpiece.

The Best Book I Have Ever Read

This is the best book on gravity. General relativity can be presented in purely mathematical form with differential geometry and topology, or in physical form, using only algebra and tensor calculus. L.Landau and E.Lifshitz have chosen the second attitude, which is simpler and more useful for physicists. All derivations and constructions are clear, logical and seem to be natural. I learned general relativity from this book and this theory became my favourite, as well as this book. The part on classical electrodynamics is also very good, I like that the authors begin with special relativity and Maxwell equations (as well as the fact that in their Classical Mechanics they start from the least action principle). Although The Classical Theory of Fields was written about 60 years ago and there is no topics, such as radiation of black holes, it is in my opinion the best book for everyone who wants to learn Einstein theory of gravitation.

Brilliance and Revelation, Incarnate

Please forgive my devotianary language, but after perusing this text, one is simply overwhelmed as if subjects long obfuscated by other texts have suddenly been revealed in an almost religious epiphany. The sections devoted to relativistic electomagnetism are beyond criticism while that on General Relativity cannot be found elsewhere. Compare Weinberg or MWT, and you will see the marked difference. Highly recommended to any intermediate to advanced student who has been exposed to GR or relativistic E & M.

The great book on classical field theory, still going strong

When I need the real explanation of something concerning relativity, electromagnetism or gravitation, I know this is the place to go. I know I will find the essence of the problem clearly yet tersely written. Some highlights: the derivation of the retarded Green function, where a clever mathematical analogy avoids lots of contour integration; the frequent use of the powerful Hamilton-Jacobi equation, again avoiding long Riemannian-geometry computations; the explanation of why nothing, not even light, can escape the attraction of a black hole. When it overlaps with Jackson's rightly famous textbook on Electrodynamics, you'll see the difference between a good (Jackson's) and a remarkable book. Though not up to date in matters of cosmology, it is still the starting point to be recommended.