Best books for special relativity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on seeking alternative resources for studying special relativity, particularly for undergraduate students dissatisfied with their current textbook. Recommendations include "Spacetime Physics" by Taylor and Wheeler, which is noted for its accessibility and availability of the first chapter online. Other suggested texts are "Six Ideas that Shaped Physics Unit R" by Tom Moore, "The Geometry of Special Relativity" by Tevian Dray, and more advanced options like "Special Relativity: An Introduction with 200 Problems and Solutions" by Michael Tsamparlis. Additionally, "Relativity Made Relatively Easy" by Andrew M. Steane and "Geometrical Physics in Minkowski Spacetime" by E.G. Peter Rowe are mentioned. A lecture course by Prof. Shiva Prasad is also recommended, along with Einstein's own work, "The Meaning of Relativity." The conversation emphasizes the importance of supplemental materials to enhance understanding of the theory.
nicklas_m123
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Hello everyone,

I'm studying physics as an undergraduate and I'm currently taking the course special relativity.
But sadly I'm not too big a fan of the book we are using for the course.
So I was wondering what are the best books you know of regarding special relativity for undergraduates.
 
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I'm still going to use our book since that's the book our professor is using. But I would like to read another too, to get a better insight in the theory.
 
nicklas_m123 said:
I'm not too big a fan of the book we are using for the course.
Which book is it, so no one embarrasses himself by recommending it? :eek:
 
jtbell said:
Which book is it, so no one embarrasses himself by recommending it? :eek:
Well, the book is not in English, so I don't there is any chance that people would recommend it ;-)
 
nicklas_m123 said:
Well, the book is not in English, so I don't there is any chance that people would recommend it ;-)
There are quite a few people here for whom English is a second language. The book and language would be worth naming.

In English, Taylor and Wheeler's Spacetime Physics is well recommended. The first chapter is available on line to try before you buy. Also you might try former PhysicsForums Mentor @bcrowell's SR book, which you can find free for download at http://lightandmatter.com/sr.
 
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It would be helpful if you gave a sense of the course you are taking... at least a list of topics.. or if the professor suggested alternate resources.

In addition to Taylor and Wheeler, there is
Six Ideas that Shaped Physics Unit R by Tom Moore
The Geometry of Special Relativity by Tevian DrayThen there are more advanced books like
Special Relativity: An Introduction with 200 Problems and Solutions by Michael Tsamparlis
Relativity Made Relatively Easy by Andrew M. Steane
Geometrical Physics in Minkowski Spacetime by E.G.Peter Rowe
... and so on
 
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