Better textbook for analytical mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of two textbooks for studying analytical mechanics: Landau-Lifshitz and Goldstein. Participants explore the strengths and weaknesses of these texts, as well as the potential for supplementary materials.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that Landau-Lifshitz is a superior choice due to its clarity and lack of misconceptions, particularly regarding anholonomous constraints.
  • Others express concerns about Goldstein's treatment of certain topics, suggesting it contains severe misconceptions.
  • A participant recommends John Baez's free online course notes as a valuable supplement, highlighting the effectiveness of his teaching style and explanations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a general agreement among participants that Landau-Lifshitz is preferable to Goldstein, but no consensus on whether other texts might be better alternatives. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved regarding the overall best choice for analytical mechanics study.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific misconceptions and teaching styles, but do not provide detailed explanations or examples of these claims. The discussion does not resolve the debate over the best textbook.

Jianphys17
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Hi at all.
According to you which of the two texts, between Landau-Lifshitz (mechanics) and the Goldberg (classical mech) is better for study Analytical Mech ? Or there are other better ones ?
 
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Do you mean Goldstein? If so, then clearly Landau-Lifshitz is the much better choice, because it doesn't contain the severe misconceptions of Goldstein concerning anholonomous constraints (search for vakonomic dynamics in this forum).
 
Yes, Goldstein, I'm apologize for the mistake. Thanks for the suggestion !
 
Landau-Lifshitz, as said, is for sure a better option. Not only it does not contain some misconceptions but it also has better examples and is more polished.
I have used both and would not recommend Goldstein that much
 
Consider as a supplement John Baez's free online course notes on classical mechanics from both the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian perspectives (http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/classical)

I recently discovered them and I'm finding that he truly has a gift for teaching. His explanations of why lagrangians actually work and his lengthy efforts to convey some intuition about WHY kinetic - potential energy should be the Lagrangian we care about in classical mechanics is the most satisfying I've seen across many sources.

Also, interesting...
https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/interview-mathematical-physicist-john-baez-part-1
 
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