Choosing the Right Quantum Field Theory Book: Peskin or Mandl?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on selecting the appropriate textbook for studying Quantum Field Theory (QFT), specifically comparing Peskin and Schroeder's "Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" and Mandl and Shaw's "Quantum Field Theory." Peskin's book is noted for its comprehensive coverage of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) and is widely used in graduate courses, while Mandl's text is recommended for its clarity in classical subjects and QED topics. Participants suggest that for self-study, especially with a professor's guidance, Peskin's book is a strong choice, although Mandl's book is preferable for specific topics like one-loop order renormalization.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Mechanics, particularly concepts from Claude Cohen-Tannoudji's textbook.
  • Familiarity with Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD).
  • Basic knowledge of advanced mathematics applicable to physics.
  • Experience with self-study methodologies in complex subjects.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore online resources and courses related to Peskin and Schroeder's QFT.
  • Study the treatment of classical subjects in Mandl and Shaw's QFT for comparative understanding.
  • Investigate Weinberg's "The Quantum Theory of Fields" for advanced insights into QFT.
  • Read R. Ticciati's "Quantum Field Theory for Mathematicians" for a mathematical perspective on QFT.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those pursuing self-study in Quantum Field Theory, educators seeking textbook recommendations, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of QFT concepts and methodologies.

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Peskin and Schroeder is used as the text for many grad courses in quantum field theory. It's more modern, more comprehensive, more difficult, and thicker than Mandl and Shaw.

Is this for self-study?

What is your background? Mainly physics? Chemistry? Mathematics? Egineeering?

There are some other books that you might want to try.

Regards,
George
 
Yes, it's for self-study, but my professor is helping me personally (I'm writing on a not yet specified subject a paper)

physics background, quantum mechanics (my most recent read book has been QM by Claude Cohen-Tannoudji


Do you think I can manage Peskin's book?
As I said, my professor is helping me, but he is not an expert on quantum physics.
 
Get Peskin, it's awesome. I'm reading it by myself, and I've managed so far. I'm on chapter 5, reading 9 and 15/16/17 as well.
 
If it can help you, I once took part in an online course on Peskin and Schroeder, and I put some material from that time online here:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/patrick.vanesch/qftcoursePS/qftcoursemain.html

It contains (my personal) summaries of several chapters, and some resolved exercises. No guarantee of course (although some peers worked them through too, and didn't find clashes).
 
We're using Peskin and Shroeder in my QFT course. I guess I like it, but I get most of my material from lecture and the book just serves as a quick review. If you're going to attempt self study guided by a professor, I suggest you get Peskin and then try to model after an actual course (possibly something you find online).
 
The treatment of "classical" subjects in general QFT is much better done in Mandl's book. But Peskin's book has the advantage of containing much more info on QCD and related topics. However, for QED only (including one-loop order renormalization), i'd go for Mandl's book.

Daniel.

P.S. Weinberg's first volume of "The Quantum Theory of Fields" is really awesome.
 
dextercioby said:
The treatment of "classical" subjects in general QFT is much better done in Mandl's book. But Peskin's book has the advantage of containing much more info on QCD and related topics. However, for QED only (including one-loop order renormalization), i'd go for Mandl's book.
Daniel.
P.S. Weinberg's first volume of "The Quantum Theory of Fields" is really awesome.

Actually I do want to know about QFT and all of the field theories (QED, electroweak, QCD), so I ordered Peskin's (should be arriving tomorrow, can't wait :!) )

Isn't Weinberg's really tough? that's what i have heard
 
Regarding Weinberg: usually it takes some hardcore mathematics to make sense of some complicated physics. It's not really about the level of rigurosity, but of being correct to yourself and not admit heuristic approaches.

Daniel.
 
  • #10
How about the one by R.Ticciati "Quantum Field Theory for Mathematicians"
Cambridge University Press ISBN 7-5062-5095-0/O

I find it hard to read, how does that compare with the others?
 
  • #11
I took a course years ago using mandl, great book. Another about the same level is by Aitcheson and Hey.
 

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