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Norman
Apr28-04, 03:49 PM
Hello all,

Just wondering if Peskin and Schroeder is a good first time QFT book? If so, what would be a good book to supplement it with?
Cheers,
Norm
slyboy
Apr28-04, 05:33 PM
QFT books generally take one of two approaches. They either start with path integrals or they derive everything that they possibly can before introducing them. If you have never met a path integral before then the latter approach is usually easier. Peskin and Schroeder take this approach and I would say it is the most understandable book on the market for a first pass at the subject. It also has plenty of exercises, which you really need to get stuck into if you really want to understand the subject.

A random selection of other good books are Ryder (despite the lack of exercises), Kaku and the classic texts by Landau and Lifschitz.
gnl
Apr30-04, 05:30 AM
I agree with slyboy, but I also suggest the excellent textbook by Bailin and Love. Donīt waste your time on Mandl and Shaw. The classic Bjorken and Drell is also a good choice for many parts. I donīt think one should follow one book only, but pick things here and there... Good hunting!
EL
Apr30-04, 05:56 AM
Donīt waste your time on Mandl and Shaw.

What is the bad thing with this book?
gnl
Apr30-04, 08:41 AM
I think it over-simplifies things, and in the end of the day you donīt learn much. With Peskin and Schroeder plus Bjorken and Drell and Bailin and Love you certainly donīt need it.
EL
Apr30-04, 10:17 AM
I think it over-simplifies things, and in the end of the day you donīt learn much. With Peskin and Schroeder plus Bjorken and Drell and Bailin and Love you certainly donīt need it.

Ok, thanks. Just started reading it. Will maybe change...
gnl
Apr30-04, 01:01 PM
It depends on the amount of time you have. Mind you, one can find also excellent notes on the web for free. One example:

http://www.lorentz.leidenuniv.nl/vanbaal/FTcourse.html