A Beginner's Guide to Quantum Field Theory

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For those beginning to explore quantum field theory (QFT), several books are recommended. Srednicki's text is frequently highlighted as a solid starting point, though some find his initial chapters confusing. Zee's book is also suggested for its accessible style, but it may need to be supplemented with more detailed texts like Srednicki or others for a deeper understanding. Aitchison and Hey's "Gauge Theories in Particle Physics" is praised for its clarity on the basics, particularly if the 2003 two-volume edition is used. Other notable mentions include Greiner and Reinhardt's "Field Quantization," which is good for foundational concepts but may take longer to cover advanced topics like Feynman diagrams. While Ryder and Maggiore are less favored by some, Weinberg and Peskin are acknowledged for their depth, albeit being challenging for beginners. Overall, a combination of these texts can provide a well-rounded introduction to quantum field theory.
cragar
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What is a good to book to start reading about quantum field theory?
 
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I believe the one by Srendnicki is very good for a starter. You can see detailed comments on amazon.
 
I'm not a physics major, but I've grinded through Srednicki, Zee, and Radovanovic: Solved problem in QFT

https://www.amazon.com/dp/3540770135/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I would say those are the best.

The others I tried to study was Ryder, Maggiore, Weinberg, and Peskin. Ryder, and Maggiore was not to my taste. I can really appreciate Weinberg and Peskin, but they are too difficult for starters.

I've heard that Mandel is the way to go too.
 
Another one not mentioned, that I like, is Field Quantization by Greiner and Reinhardt.
 
I like Gauge Theories in Particle Physics by Aitchison and Hey.
 
I'd also recommend Aitchison & Hey for a first pass. Very good on the basics. I haven't picked up volume 2, though. Only canonical quantization is covered, no path integrals.

The previously mentioned Greiner is also very good on the basics, but because they don't bother with \phi^4 theory or other "toy" Lagrangians, they take a long time to get to Feynman diagrams.

I think Zee is very good, but he seems so breezy and deceptively "easy" that he should be supplemented with a book that shows more of the gory details like Srednicki, Brown, Ramond, or Ryder.

Srednicki is very good, but I think his opening chapters are actually kind of confusing for a beginner.
 
I, too, recommend Aitchison and Hey for self-study, but only if the expanded two-volume 2003 edition is used (even if only the first volume is studied).
 
If you want take it easy, then start with Zee's book. I would do it.
 
thanks for the replies
 

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