Blatt vs. Krane (Nuclear Physics)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing two nuclear physics textbooks: Blatt and Krane. Participants explore their suitability for similar audiences, pricing, and the relevance of the material in each book.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that Krane is a popular recommendation but questions whether it justifies its higher price compared to Blatt.
  • Another participant mentions that Blatt's text may be dated but could still be useful for background material up to around 1979, referencing its co-authorship with Viktor Weisskopf.
  • Concerns about the dated nature of Blatt's work are raised, particularly since the author passed away in 1990.
  • A participant humorously comments on the variability of Krane's price depending on the "reference frame," providing links to different editions and their costs.
  • One participant expresses willingness to invest in Krane if it is deemed a good book, indicating a preference for hardcover editions for long-term use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which book is superior or more suitable for the same demographic, and multiple views on the value and relevance of each text remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are references to the potential datedness of Blatt's material and varying prices for Krane's editions, but no specific assumptions or definitions are clarified regarding what constitutes suitability for the demographic.

djh101
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I will be needing to pick up a nuclear physics book one of these days. Krane seems to be a pretty popular recommendation, but the price is a little but high. I've heard good things about Blatt, but never in comparison to Krane. So how does Blatt hold up to Krane? Are they suitable for the same demographic?
 
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Blatt's text may be dated, but some find it useful for the background material, at least up until about 1979 (co-authored with Viktor Weisskopf), or so. Dover apparently republished the old edition.

Blatt died in 1990, so his books are dated, unless someone revised an edition since then.

Interesting bio - http://web.maths.unsw.edu.au/~jim/blatt.html
 
As for Krane, the price is not an invariant: it depends on the reference frame :-)
http://www.amazon.it/dp/047180553X/ (original Wiley hardcover at 53 euros, plus what, 15 euros shipping?)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/8126517859/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (Indian paperback used -but like new- edition at about 30 bucks included shipping - I have this one and I have to tell that the paper and the print are surprisingly good - I wasn't so lucky with Eisberg&Resnick though)

If you are concerned about buying an (allegedly used) Indian edition in the US, you might want to read this: http://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/11-697
 
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Interesting. Well I'm not opposed to paying a high price for Krane if it really is a good book (if I'm going to buy it and keep it on my bookshelf, I'd prefer the hardcover), it just might have to wait a little while.
 

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