Introduction to calculus and differental and integral calculus - courant

[hellbike]

What's difference between those Courant's books? They both seems to be first year calc books.

 

[jbunniii]

Introduction to Calculus and Analysis is a newer, more modern rewrite of Differential and Integral Calculus.

Here is an excerpt from the preface of Introduction to Calculus and Analysis (volume 1) which talks (sort of vaguely) about the two versions:

"During the years it became apparent that the need of college and university instruction in the United States made a rewriting of [Differential and Integral Calculus] desirable. Yet, it seemed unwise to tamper with the original versions which have remained and still are viable.

Instead of trying to remodel the existing work it seemed preferable to supplement it by an essentially new book in many ways related to the European originals but more specifically directed at the needs of the present and future students in the United States. Such a plan became feasible when Fritz John, who had already greatly helped in the preparation of the first English edition, agreed to write the new book together with R. Courant.

While it differs markedly in form and content from the original, it is animated by the same intention: To lead the student directly to the heart of the subject and to prepare him for active application of his knowledge. It avoids the dogmatic style which conceals the motivation and the roots of the calculus in intuitive reality. To exhibit the interaction between mathematical analysis and its various applications and to emphasize the role of intuition remains an important aim of this new book. Somewhat strengthened precision does not, as we hope, interfere with this aim.

Mathematics presented as a closed, linearly ordered, system of truths without reference to origin and purpose has its charm and satisfies a philosophical need. But the attitude of introverted science is unsuitable for students who seek intellectual independence rather than indoctrination; disregard for applications and intuition leads to isolation and atrophy of mathematics. It seems extremely important that students and instructors should be protected from smug purism.

The book is addressed to students on various levels, to mathematicians, scientists, engineers. It does not pretend to make the subject easy by glossing over difficulties, but rather tries to help the genuinely interested reader by throwing light on the interconnections and purposes of the whole."