Book for electrodynamics and relativity

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion, a student seeks alternatives to Jackson's textbook for a second course in electrodynamics, citing Jackson's difficulty. Recommendations include "Classical Electromagnetism" by Franklin, which is noted for being more accessible, and "Classical Theory of Fields" by Landau and Lifschitz, although it is acknowledged to be more challenging than Jackson. The conversation highlights the importance of finding a text that suits the student's learning style, with suggestions to explore Schwinger's electrodynamics text, which is considered a classic and introduces concepts like the Lagrangian density effectively. The need for hands-on problem-solving while studying Landau's concise explanations is also emphasized. The student plans to check these books in the library, although some recommended texts are not available there.
naftali
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Hi,

I take a second course of electrodynamics, one of the main subjects is e.d and relativity, the lecturer use Jackson as the course's textbook.
Is there any other book which covers this subject in the same level as Jackson which is more friendly and can be used for self-study (Jackson is difficult...)

Thank you
 
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I think the question has been asked before in the "science book discussions" forum, under "academic guidance" (where this thread is likely to be the next time you check in here).
 
I recommend "Classical Electromagnetism" by Franklin.
Check on it at Amazon.com
 
The book "Classical theory of Fields" by Landau and Lifschitz is also very good.
 
L & L is harder than Jackson.
 
Meir Achuz said:
L & L is harder than Jackson.

Yes, but then what matters is if the student can use the book better to get at the appropriate level than Jackson. So, the student can just get the book from the library and see if things are explained in a style that the student likes better.
 
I'd suggest taking a look at Schwinger's electrodynamics text.
 
I second the Schwinger suggestion.
 
I would also recommend L&L but in case you don't know, it is VERY concise. When reading along with the text, one ought to have a pencil and paper at hand to work out any gaps that Landau might leave out.
That said, Landau has a very nice way of introducing things. After introducing Special Relativity, he goes on to the action formulation of the fields which is very well done. I don't know of any other text that does it this way.

Schwinger introduces the Lagrangian density only by chapter 9 but it is a nice book to have around. It is also supposed to be a classic treatment of waveguides, seeing that was Schwinger's own work, but I haven't read that part.

I don't know about Jackson.

Why don't you look into Melia's book? https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226519589/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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  • #10
Thanks , I will try to look at this books in the library. We don't have Melia and Franklin there.
 

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