Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around identifying notable Russian, Soviet, or MIR physics books that are available in English, specifically targeting undergraduate level or higher. Participants seek recommendations for classic texts that effectively explain the subject matter.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose "Course of Theoretical Physics" by Lev Landau and Evgeny Lifshitz as a top recommendation.
- Others mention "Methods Of Quantum Field Theory In Statistical Physics" by Abrikosov, Gorkov, and Dzyaloshinksi as a significant reference in T>0 quantum field theory.
- There is a discussion about the works of Irodov, with some participants noting that his books are collections of problems rather than traditional textbooks.
- Questions arise regarding whether Irodov's textbooks are regarded as classics comparable to his problem book.
- One participant notes that a similar discussion had occurred previously on the forum, referencing another thread focused on Soviet or Russian physics and math textbooks.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the significance of certain texts, such as those by Landau and Lifshitz, but there is no consensus on the status of Irodov's works or the overall best recommendations, indicating multiple competing views.
Contextual Notes
Some contributions highlight the distinction between textbooks and problem collections, which may affect their perceived value in the context of this discussion.