Book recommendation for Graduate mechanics

AI Thread Summary
For those preparing for graduate classical mechanics, the discussion highlights the suitability of various textbooks for refreshing necessary material. While Goldstein's book is highly regarded, it may not be the best choice for a refresher due to its complexity. Taylor's book is recommended as a more accessible alternative for self-study. There is also mention of the differences between the second and third editions of Goldstein, with some users questioning whether the latest edition is superior. Other suggested texts include Keith Symon's book and Jerry Marion's, both of which are considered more approachable than Goldstein. Overall, Taylor is favored for its clarity and effectiveness for those re-entering the subject.
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Hello all, I have just finished up taking graduate E&M and will be enrolling in graduate classical mechanics next fall. It has been a while since I have done any kind of mechanics and would like to know which book do you recommend for refreshing/re-learning needed material for grad mechanics?? Is Goldstein basically the best book I can use?

Thanks!
 
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Goldstein is a great book; I am not sure it's the best for a "refresher" though. Taylor is a bit more accessible.
 
fss said:
Goldstein is a great book; I am not sure it's the best for a "refresher" though. Taylor is a bit more accessible.

About Goldstein's one, I have read in Amazon that the 3rd version (latest) is a somehow watered down version of the 2nd one and with new notation. It seems that some chapter(s) have been deleted while some others have been added.
So is the 3rd edition "better" to get?
I'm also -very- interested in getting Goldstein book but I'm not sure what version.
Thanks anyone.
 
fss said:
Goldstein is a great book; I am not sure it's the best for a "refresher" though. Taylor is a bit more accessible.

Thanks for the response. I read some reviews on Amazon for Taylor and I think I am going to go with it for self-study.

Thanks!
 
Yeah, Taylor is awesome, much better than Thorton and Marion.
 
Since you're going to take the class, I would suggest a book one notch down from Goldstein. I like Keith Symon's book myself, but Jerry Marion's is certainly very popular.
 

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