Books for Statistical Mechanics self study?

[jcw0616]

Hi all,

I consider myself a physics self-studier (although I've taken the introductory physics series and more in college), and I'm looking for an introduction to statistical mechanics. My thermal physics class used Schroeder's "Thermal Physics" text, which touches slightly on stat-mech at the end of the book, but I'm looking for further education on the topic.

Admittedly, I prefer a somewhat "hand-holdy" book with less-than-intense rigor. Do any of you know of a text that fits this description?

EDIT: A book with answers to any problems is preferred, as I am a self-studier.

Thanks in advance!
Jordan

 

[QuantumQuest]

I would recommend to take a look at Leonard Susskind's lectures on YouTube. For a textbook, I have a recommendation for a formal text that is quite good and well known: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0123821886/?tag=pfamazon01-20. Although formal and talking from personal experience, you can follow the text provided you spend a fair effort.

 

[jasonRF]

Another option at the graduate level is Kardar, which has around 100 pages of solutions:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521873428/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[Telemachus]

I've used mostly Reichl: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-3527407820.html but I don't know if is the best book for self study.

 

[mpresic]

Back when I was undergraduate Kittel was popular. I preferred Reif, in the 1980's. At the graduate level, I like Pathria, now Beale and Pathria. Another good book on the graduate level is one by Kerson Huang. I did not like Reichl as it seemed like a grab-bag of disconnected topics.
I think parts of Zemansky, and Sears and Salinger or the old book by Becker, were good while I was studying for qualifying exams but I have not seen them used as a textbook lately