What are some recommended self-study books for complex analysis?

In summary, Complex Analysis is a complex topic and requires a lot of work to really understand. There are many different texts that can be used to get started, but the best one for you depends on your intended use for the information.
  • #1
sutupidmath
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What is a good introductory book for complex analysis for self study?
 
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  • #3
I thought "Complex Variables and Applications" by Brown/Churchill was a fairly good book, although I thought the book was sometimes a little too easy. A lot of problems come with answers and (sometimes an overdose of) hints, so it might be a good book for self study. It is also considered to be a canonical textbook for an undergraduate introductory complex analysis course, so the materials you see on this textbook (mostly chapters 1 through 7) are something you would see in any complex analysis course. The only drawback of this book is the price, so you probably want to get it from your library, or buy a cheaper international edition.
 
  • #4
Fisher is pretty good, dover printing and it's cheap.
 
  • #5
I read a chapter or two of Ahlfors when I took real analysis this past year and found the text fairly impressive. It's extremely well-written and Ahlfors gives a lot of intuition, probably because he was an expert in the field. I do remember that you have the real analysis background, so this text would be appropriate. I'm taking complex in the fall, and I'm attempting to at least understand complex integration well over the summer. Our school uses Lang, but I think many previous math majors have recommended Conway over Lang.
 
  • #6
It depends what you intend to use it for.

A good engineering/applied physics text such as Kreisig contains all you need for this purpose.

Churchill is very engineering oriented.

A classical mathematical introduction can be had from Oxford University

An introduction to the Theory of Functions of a Complex Variable by Copson

A more spicy fully modern treatment is available from Cambridge University

Complex analysis by Stewart and Tall

If you are going to be extending to much Fluid Mechanics the the Alan Jeffrey book

Complex Analysis and Applications is good.
 
  • #7
Last edited by a moderator:

What is "A Book for Complex Analysis" about?

"A Book for Complex Analysis" is a comprehensive textbook that covers the fundamentals of complex analysis, including topics such as complex numbers, functions, series, and residues.

Who is the target audience for this book?

This book is designed for undergraduate and graduate students studying mathematics, physics, engineering, or any other field that requires a strong understanding of complex analysis.

What makes this book different from other textbooks on complex analysis?

"A Book for Complex Analysis" offers a unique approach to teaching complex analysis, focusing on both theoretical concepts and practical applications. It also includes numerous examples, exercises, and illustrations to aid in understanding the material.

Do I need a strong background in mathematics to understand this book?

While some prior knowledge of calculus and basic algebra is recommended, "A Book for Complex Analysis" is designed to be accessible to students with varying levels of mathematical background. It starts with the basics and builds upon them gradually, making it suitable for self-study as well.

Is this book suitable for self-study or is it better suited for a classroom setting?

This book is suitable for both self-study and classroom use. It is structured in a way that allows for independent learning, but it also includes exercises and problems that can be used for homework or in-class discussions.

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