What is Books: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A book is a medium for recording information in the form of writing or images, typically composed of many pages (made of papyrus, parchment, vellum, or paper) bound together and protected by a cover. The technical term for this physical arrangement is codex (plural, codices). In the history of hand-held physical supports for extended written compositions or records, the codex replaces its predecessor, the scroll. A single sheet in a codex is a leaf and each side of a leaf is a page.
As an intellectual object, a book is prototypically a composition of such great length that it takes a considerable investment of time to compose and still considered as an investment of time to read. In a restricted sense, a book is a self-sufficient section or part of a longer composition, a usage that reflects the fact that, in antiquity, long works had to be written on several scrolls and each scroll had to be identified by the book it contained. Each part of Aristotle's Physics is called a book. In an unrestricted sense, a book is the compositional whole of which such sections, whether called books or chapters or parts, are parts.
The intellectual content in a physical book need not be a composition, nor even be called a book. Books can consist only of drawings, engravings or photographs, crossword puzzles or cut-out dolls. In a physical book, the pages can be left blank or can feature an abstract set of lines to support entries, such as in an account book, an appointment book, an autograph book, a notebook, a diary or a sketchbook. Some physical books are made with pages thick and sturdy enough to support other physical objects, like a scrapbook or photograph album. Books may be distributed in electronic form as ebooks and other formats.
Although in ordinary academic parlance a monograph is understood to be a specialist academic work, rather than a reference work on a scholarly subject, in library and information science monograph denotes more broadly any non-serial publication complete in one volume (book) or a finite number of volumes (even a novel like Proust's seven-volume In Search of Lost Time), in contrast to serial publications like a magazine, journal or newspaper. An avid reader or collector of books is a bibliophile or colloquially, "bookworm". A place where books are traded is a bookshop or bookstore. Books are also sold elsewhere and can be borrowed from libraries. Google has estimated that by 2010, approximately 130,000,000 titles had been published. In some wealthier nations, the sale of printed books has decreased because of the increased usage of ebooks.

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  1. rudransh verma

    Classical Need help with popular science books

    I am currently reading some introductory physics. I am following resnik and Halliday. Can anyone suggest me some good general books on physics which would go comfortably with my resnik book. I need to read some general material not something technical. If possible on classical mechanics and...
  2. C

    Prob/Stats Books on Combinatorics, Permutations and Probability

    Hello! I am looking for textbooks to relearn Combinatorics, Permutations Combinations and Probability and also Matrix algebra( decomposition, etc). I had done these many years ago and the course/books provided to me at that time weren't that great. So I want to relearn this with a more...
  3. S

    Classical Looking for Griffith-style books on mechanics, thermodynamics, astronomy

    Hello! Searching for above mentioned books for my Bsc studies. Like his style and the quantum and electro books were very well written(in my opinion) and easy to navigate through, also liked the pre-explained math tools i need for the book. Tried Goldstein and Taylor books on mechanics but they...
  4. V

    Books that teach classical mechanics through a discourse method

    Books that teaches classical mechanics through a discourse method ie asking interesting questions and answering them maybe a similar one to Understanding Basic Chemistry Through Problem Solving: The Learner's Approach Book by Jeanne Tan and Kim Seng Chan. Not exactly asking numerical questions...
  5. S

    Classical Waves books -- Looking for better textbooks to augment my class materials

    Are there any good textbooks about waves? Like Pain or French except written competently, devoid of mistakes and logical even axiomatic. Ambitious with strong math. Can be old. We were recommended to read Pain but that book is a joke and French is just a simplified version thereof. Problems are...
  6. S

    Intro Physics Books for high school physics E&M [No integrals]

    Can you recommend introductory physics book for high school that contains E & M ? It should not have any integrals.
  7. DanielJorge

    Intro Physics Introductory physics books?

    Are there any books that are NOT like "University Physics (Young)" / "Fundamentals of Physics (Halliday)" in presentation, but that are suitable for a first course on the subjects of those books? The mentioned books are too "flashy", full of colorful boxes, etc. I don't like this and I find it...
  8. korwynkim

    Intro Physics General introductory physics books compared to specific books on each topic

    What exactly is the difference in the way an general physics book (Halliday and Resnick, Young and Freedman) covers topics like mechanics, EM, and thermodynamics, compared to respective books like Kleppner and Kolenkow, Griffiths, and Schroeder, other than the amount of material covered for each...
  9. Falgun

    Geometry Confusion about Differential Geometry Books

    I was just browsing through the textbooks forum a few days ago when I came across a post on differential geometry books. Among the others these two books by the same author seem to be the most widely recommended: Elementary Differential Geometry (Barret O' Neill) Semi-Riemannian Geometry with...
  10. edukso

    B Quantum Entanglement Books

    Hello! I would be really thankful if you could recommend me a good book for an introduction to quantum entanglement . Thanks!
  11. K

    Other Books on Entropy for Physics Enthusiasts

    Hello! Could you please recommend me some good books about entropy for physics enthusiasts (someone who doesn't know physics but wants to learn about this)? Thank you!
  12. I

    Geometry Geometrical books (differential geometry, tensors, variational mech.)

    I am looking for math books that focus on geometrical interpretations. Sadly most of the modern books lack these interpretations and only consists out of theorems and proofs. It seems to me that most modern mathematicians are pure left-brain sequential thinkers that do not have a lot of...
  13. F

    Linear Algebra What are good books for a third course in Linear Algebra?

    What are the suitable books in linear algebra for third course for self-study after reading Linear Algebra done right by Axler and Algebra by Artin?
  14. Wrichik Basu

    Other Any books on these topics in Analog electronics?

    In our fourth semester academic curriculum, we have a paper on Analog Electronics. (For those who don't know: I am studying UG physics major.) I have found some good lectures online that cover a part of the course, but I don't have any material for the rest of the topics. The following topics...
  15. Amrator

    Other Books on the Physics of Climate Change

    Hello, I'm looking for a textbook on climate change that is not afraid to use advanced physics and mathematics (thermal/statistical physics, differential equations, fluid dynamics, etc.). Too many textbooks on the topic shy away from the mathematics, preventing me from obtaining a deep...
  16. Demystifier

    Other Exploring "Baby" Books in Different Fields

    When the same author(s) write two books on the same topic, with one book being more elementary and less advanced than the other, then this more elementary book is called "baby". A well known example is baby Rudin for mathematical analysis. Another example is baby Reif for statistical physics...
  17. F

    Linear Algebra What are good second course books in linear algebra for self-study?

    What are best second course(undergraduate) books in linear algebra for self-study?I have already read Introduction to Linear Algebra by Lang.
  18. Falgun

    Applied Ordinary Differential Equations Books

    I am trying to self study Ordinary Differential Equations and am totally fed up of "cookbook style ODEs". I have recently finished Hubbard's Multivariable Calculus Book and Strang's Linear algebra book. I would like a rigorous and Comprehensive book on ODEs. I have shortlisted a few books below...
  19. MidgetDwarf

    Classical Question Regarding The Quality of CRC Press Books

    Is anyone familiar with the books printed by CRC Press? Not the actual content of the book, but the materials used for the hardcover books. Ie., do they fall apart like Springer's books printed today? Or are they made with better binding.
  20. A

    Engineering Are There Any Books on Selecting Components for Building a Multi-Rotor Drone?

    I am looking for any information on how to build my first drone. I spent 7 days gathering information, selected components I though would work together, but after that I was criticised by people who said that those components would not match. Here is my post from reddit for example. I...
  21. JD_PM

    High Energy Books on the Standard Model of elementary particle physics & beyond

    Hello! I am taking a course on Electroweak & Strong Interactions (you could equally call it Standard Model I) and I find it absolutely fascinating! 😍 We studied how weak interactions violate parity, introduction to QCD, flavor physics (CKM matrix, CP violation, …) and neutrino physics...
  22. kyphysics

    Reading Books in 5 Hours - Question

    I've seen various articles say that a typical person can read a book within five hours. These are presumably non-academic textbooks and things like biography, non-fiction, etc. The page length cited often is 300 pages. Sure, I think I've done that occasionally, but I'm a slower reader than...
  23. S

    Prob/Stats Any good math-theory-focused books on neural networks and data science?

    Hi. I'm looking for books on data science, preferably leaning towards neural networks, that focus on mathematical rigor. For example, theorems on optimization, minimum number of layers to accomplish a task efficiently, etc. Most books I've seen seem to hand wave this stuff. Anyone know any juicy...
  24. F

    Foundations What level are the books 'Elements de Mathematiques' by Bourbaki?

    What level(undergraduate or graduate) are the books Elements de Mathematiques by Bourbaki?Is good if I read it?If I like to read(undergraduate) then I must read following which order?(Eg first I must read book The Set theory).By the way,what about The Treatise on analysis by Dieudonne?
  25. L

    I Books about Particle Physics and some clarifications

    Hi hi, I would like clarify this, I'm looking for models that can support to a particles have several properties, I know classic physics, my main problem, if we have a fluid with movement forces and heat, the classic model don't support this, only independent from each other... So, a lot of ppl...
  26. F

    Foundations What are the best undergraduate math books?

    I intend to self-learn undergraduate math program.What are the books for undergraduate math?Please show me all some books that cover the whole program!
  27. hackedagainanda

    Intro Math Schaum's Outline Series, Supplementary Problem books

    I've recently purchased Schaum's Elementary, Intermediate and College Algebra texts and I'm loving the extra practice and the chance to familiarize myself with the material. Are there any other similar books out there for cheap? I've considering buying old editions of the various...
  28. DartomicTech

    Any books that just have blueprints of buildings, ships, etc?

    Sorry if I am posting in the wrong area. Like the title says, are there any books that just have blueprints of buildings, ships, etc? Pretty much just blueprints on structures that are places. I use them for memorization when I study, and books of blueprints would be a lot more convenient than...
  29. sahilmm15

    Astronomy Books on astronomy and cosmology at the beginner level

    I am curious about space. How it works, what does it contain, all different sorts of things. Any suggestions on what books to read for a beginner so that this curiosity do not fade away with time.
  30. T

    Books on teaching and education

    Hello there. My questions are: do you know of any books you could suggest reading for teaching and how to educate? How someone can change his teaching styles and what to add to improve students' attention, interest and make them study on their own? Should he speak generally to all the students...
  31. sahilmm15

    Classical Some books on introductory classical physics

    I need some suggestions on classical physics. You can help me with some high school papers or books to get started with.Thanks!
  32. D

    High Energy String Theory Books: Intro & Advanced Level | GSW, Polchinski, McMahon, Becker

    Some good introductory string theory books that I know are GSW Polchinski McMahon Becker What are the good books at a more advanced level? Are there any such books, or do I have to dig it out of the research papers? There is a set of books called "mirror symmetry" and "dirichlet branes and...
  33. B

    Quantum Practical books about lasers

    Hello! Can someone point me towards some good books about laser from a practical/experimental perspective (maybe even a review paper). Most books I found spend a lot of time going through derivations and theoretical concepts. I would like to go deeper into that, too, at a point, but for now I...
  34. sahilmm15

    Books similar to"Art of Problem Solving"

    Can you share some similar books like AOPS . Alternative of each book is preferred. I am finding other ones cause they are not available here. Thanks!
  35. Frabjous

    Other Old books pulled off your shelves during pandemic

    I’ve been doing a lot of reading during the pandemic and some of that has involved pulling books off my shelves that I haven’t looked at for a long time. Assuming that you have done the same, what are your pleasant rediscoveries? For me it was Pauling “The Chemical Bond” - well written...
  36. G

    Looking for forums about computer science books -- explanations and errata

    Hello Does anyone know any computer science forum that has a focus on the following topics? - questions about the understanding of particular explanations provided by computer science books, papers, etc - the possible errors these documents' contents might have and the corrections they might...
  37. Santiago24

    Classical Recommend books about classical mechanics please

    Hi! i need some textbooks recommendations to learn by my self about classical mechanics in a undegraduate level. I don´¨¨t know what kind of math is required, i have knowledge about calculus by my high school classes and i learned more with the book "Calculus" by Gilbert Strang. I wait for your...
  38. fluidistic

    "Old" books are in public domain, what about old textbooks?

    I'm quickly reading at https://boingboing.net/2019/08/01/80pct-pd.html?fbclid=IwAR3pMnu6G0d-M6Ldf_i5muga3g_m0NVkMQ5u6NiE-f_FapGKftJO76_hxbw that about 80% of books published in the US between 1924 and 1963 are in the Public Domain now. Textbooks are known to be very expensive, even when they are...
  39. M

    Astrophysics Looking for Books on Astronomy and Astrophysics

    What are some good textbooks for astronomy and astrophysics? I know of fundamental astronomy and the principles of astrophysics. I would prefer it if it were good for self-study. Also, are there any books that are free?
  40. AndreasC

    Chemistry Chemistry books for physicists

    I want (need tbh) to learn some chemistry. I'm pretty comfortable in my understanding of the standard QM I and II you'd learn at uni, and I'm decent at statistical physics. I am interested in condensed matter physics, and I would like to learn some chemistry. Well, more like "need", because it's...
  41. AndreasC

    Other Math Problem Books: Discover Your Favourites

    Simple question: what are your favourite problem books on math? This can be any subject, even very specialised ones. Just your favourite ones in all of math.
  42. thaiqi

    Quantum Which books are best for learning Bohm's mechanics?

    Hello, everyone. Which books best for learning Bohm's mechanics?
  43. STEM_nerd

    Other Best physics books for preparing for the IPHO?

    So I have decided to participate in the IPHO in the upcoming years. I searched online but I don't seem to be getting any help on how I should prepare and what books I need to refer to. So please, could you guide me on which books I should refer to for IPHO?
  44. Haorong Wu

    Relativity Problem Books for GR - Find an Easier Problem Book for Relativity & Gravitation

    Hello,. I am looking for another problem book for GR. I have used Problem Book In Relativity and Gravitation by Alan P. Lightman, et al. But first the copy I get is not in a good quality. Some texts are vague. Also, it seems too difficult for me. I only can solve about half of the problems in...
  45. U

    Other Elementary Linear Algebra book

    Hello I am looking for an introductory linear algebra book. I attend university next year so I want to prepare and I want to become an engineer. I have a good background in the prerequisites, except I don't know anything about matrices or determinants. I am looking for the more application side...
  46. thaiqi

    Quantum Which books are good for learning spectrum computation?

    Hello everyone. I 'd like to learn how to calculate the spectrum for elements. Which books are recommended?
  47. patric44

    Quantum Dirac notation based quantum books?

    hi i am recently following the nptel course in quantum mechanics (The Course ) and it seems like a really good course , but i can't find the book that it based on . my question is : had anyone saw that course before to suggest a QM book related to it ? - she began by an introduction to vector...
  48. Hamiltonian

    Calculus Books for practice integration problems and calc 3

    I am looking for a (practice)book that has problems on definite and indefinite integration from easy to intermediate. also which book covers the prerequisites of calculus for books like Griffiths.(similar to the topics in chap 1 of Griffiths but more in-depth)
  49. R

    Quantum Books on Quantum Mechanics

    Hi everyone , I am interested in learning quantum mechanics. I want to read a book which explains each and every aspect of quantum physics , gives a conceptual understanding with the help of logical thinking. Also it should be like that if I know the most basic theory and...
  50. thaiqi

    Classical Which books are good for Lagrangian/Hamiltonian formulations for continuum?

    Can anybody suggest which books are good for Lagrangian/Hamiltonian formulations for continuum beyond The Classical Mechanics by Goldstein ( it seems a bit too complicated for my understanding.)?
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