Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell - Hardcover

Zee, Anthony

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691010196 ISBN 13: 9780691010199

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2003

Synopsis

An esteemed researcher and acclaimed popular author takes up the challenge of providing a clear, relatively brief, and fully up-to-date introduction to one of the most vital but notoriously difficult subjects in theoretical physics. A quantum field theory text for the twenty-first century, this book makes the essential tool of modern theoretical physics available to any student who has completed a course on quantum mechanics and is eager to go on.


Quantum field theory was invented to deal simultaneously with special relativity and quantum mechanics, the two greatest discoveries of early twentieth-century physics, but it has become increasingly important to many areas of physics. These days, physicists turn to quantum field theory to describe a multitude of phenomena.


Stressing critical ideas and insights, Zee uses numerous examples to lead students to a true conceptual understanding of quantum field theory--what it means and what it can do. He covers an unusually diverse range of topics, including various contemporary developments, while guiding readers through thoughtfully designed problems. In contrast to previous texts, Zee incorporates gravity from the outset and discusses the innovative use of quantum field theory in modern condensed matter theory.


Without a solid understanding of quantum field theory, no student can claim to have mastered contemporary theoretical physics. Offering a remarkably accessible conceptual introduction, this text will be widely welcomed and used.

About this title

About the Author

A. Zee is a Permanent Member of the Institute for Theoretical Physics and a Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the author of Unity of Forces in the Universe, Einstein's Universe, Swallowing Clouds, and Fearful Symmetry: The Search for Beauty in Modern Physics (Princeton).

From the Back Cover

"Quantum field theory is an extraordinarily beautiful subject, but it can be an intimidating one. The profound and deeply physical concepts it embodies can get lost, to the beginner, amidst its technicalities. In this book, Zee imparts the wisdom of an experienced and remarkably creative practitioner in a user-friendly style. I wish something like it had been available when I was a student."--Frank Wilczek, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Finally! Zee has written a ground-breaking quantum field theory text based on the course I made him teach when I chaired the Princeton physics department. With utmost clarity he gives the eager student a light-hearted and easy-going introduction to the multifaceted wonders of quantum field theory. I wish I had this book when I taught the subject."--Marvin L. Goldberger, President, Emeritus, California Institute of Technology

"This book is filled with charming explanations that students will find beneficial."--Ed Witten, Institute for Advanced Study

"Tony Zee explains quantum field theory with a clear and engaging style. For budding or seasoned condensed matter physicists alike, he shows us that field theory is a nourishing nut to be cracked and savored."--Matthew P.A. Fisher, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics

"This book is perhaps the most user-friendly introductory text to the essentials of quantum field theory and its many modern applications. With his physically intuitive approach, Professor Zee makes a serious topic more reachable for beginners, reducing the conceptual barrier while preserving enough mathematical details necessary for a firm grasp of the subject."--Bei Lok Hu, University of Maryland

"Like the famous Feynman Lectures on Physics, this book has the flavor of a good blackboard lecture. Zee presents technical details, but only insofar as they serve the larger purpose of giving insight into quantum field theory and bringing out its beauty."--Stephen M. Barr, University of Delaware

"This is a fantastic book--exciting, amusing, unique, and very valuable."--Clifford V. Johnson, University of Durham

From the Inside Flap

"Quantum field theory is an extraordinarily beautiful subject, but it can be an intimidating one. The profound and deeply physical concepts it embodies can get lost, to the beginner, amidst its technicalities. In this book, Zee imparts the wisdom of an experienced and remarkably creative practitioner in a user-friendly style. I wish something like it had been available when I was a student."--Frank Wilczek, Massachusetts Institute of Technology"Finally! Zee has written a ground-breaking quantum field theory text based on the course I made him teach when I chaired the Princeton physics department. With utmost clarity he gives the eager student a light-hearted and easy-going introduction to the multifaceted wonders of quantum field theory. I wish I had this book when I taught the subject."--Marvin L. Goldberger, President, Emeritus, California Institute of Technology"This book is filled with charming explanations that students will find beneficial."--Ed Witten, Institute for Advanced Study"Tony Zee explains quantum field theory with a clear and engaging style. For budding or seasoned condensed matter physicists alike, he shows us that field theory is a nourishing nut to be cracked and savored."--Matthew P.A. Fisher, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics"This book is perhaps the most user-friendly introductory text to the essentials of quantum field theory and its many modern applications. With his physically intuitive approach, Professor Zee makes a serious topic more reachable for beginners, reducing the conceptual barrier while preserving enough mathematical details necessary for a firm grasp of the subject."--Bei Lok Hu, University of Maryland"Like the famous Feynman Lectures on Physics, this book has the flavor of a good blackboard lecture. Zee presents technical details, but only insofar as they serve the larger purpose of giving insight into quantum field theory and bringing out its beauty."--Stephen M. Barr, University of Delaware"This is a fantastic book--exciting, amusing, unique, and very valuable."--Clifford V. Johnson, University of Durham

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691010196
• ISBN 13: 9780691010199
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 518