Best books and papers for classical "hard" analysis tricks

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the need for classical "hard" analysis techniques in mathematical problem-solving, contrasting them with the more abstract approaches found in recent textbooks. Key recommendations for foundational texts include "Whittaker and Watson," "Baby" Rudin, Zygmund's "Trigonometric Series," and Stromberg's "Classical Real Analysis." Participants emphasize the importance of engaging with problems and studying proofs to master these techniques. Notable mathematicians associated with hard analysis include G.H. Hardy, Freeman Dyson, Lars Onsager, and George Polya.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with classical analysis concepts
  • Understanding of integral manipulation techniques
  • Knowledge of algebraic identities and inequalities
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and problem-solving
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Whittaker and Watson" for classical analysis techniques
  • Explore "Baby" Rudin for foundational analysis concepts
  • Research Zygmund's "Trigonometric Series" for advanced series analysis
  • Investigate Boros and Moll's "Irresistible Integrals" for integral tricks
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of analysis, and anyone interested in mastering classical analysis techniques and problem-solving strategies.

Sauvain
It seems that most recently published analysis textbooks are written from a more abstract perspective, e.g., dealing with functions on general metric spaces or with spaces of functions. However, often solving a problem requires some "get your hands dirty" classical or "hard" analysis -- for example involving clever manipulations of inequalities, algebraic identities, substitutions, tricks to rewrite integrals in other forms, and so on. I have noticed that a lot of older analysis textbooks contain a lot of this kind of analysis. Some books that I think fit with what I have in mind are:

* Whittaker and Watson
* "Baby" Rudin
* Zygmund's book on trigonometric series
* Stromberg's book on classical real analysis

My question is, what are some of the best books or papers for learning this kind of analysis? More generally, what is the best way to learn this kind of analysis? A process that has worked fairly well for me so far has involved attempting to solve problems of this type and studying "hard analysis" proofs. I just wonder if anyone has any suggestions or experiences to share of learning this kind of math.

Also, it seems that this kind of mathematics used to be more of a central focus, for example in the younger days of G.H. Hardy. Other mathematicians/scientists who seem to be / hav quite good at hard analysis include Freeman Dyson, Lars Onsager, George Polya. If anyone has any others to add to this list, I would be interested in hearing them also. I guess I'd be interested in seeing a "hard analysis" hall of fame. Of course it would have to include Euler, Gauss, and so on.

Finally, if anyone has any favorite results or papers in this vein, feel free to mention them as well.
 
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The books
Boros and Moll, Irresistible Integrals
Nahin, Inside Interesting Integrals

are full of tricks for dealing with integrals.
 

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