Classical Electrodynamics by Ingarden

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the book "Classical Electrodynamics" by Ingarden, focusing on its availability, pricing, and comparative value to modern texts in the field of electromagnetism. Participants explore the book's content and its approach to topics such as tensors, Maxwell's Equations, and relativistic electrodynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the book is an ex-library edition printed in Poland, suggesting it may not be of high quality.
  • Another participant questions the high price of the book on Amazon, wondering if it is significantly better than more modern texts.
  • A different participant expresses that they would not generically recommend the book, despite supporting its presence in the forum.
  • One participant contrasts Ingarden's book with Steven Weinberg's "The First Three Minutes," which they recommend as a more accessible alternative.
  • Another participant describes Ingarden's book as unconventional for a textbook, highlighting its mathematical focus and unique approach to discussing electromagnetism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the value and recommendation of Ingarden's book, with no consensus on its worth compared to modern texts. Some find it interesting for its mathematical approach, while others are skeptical of its pricing and overall recommendation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the book's age and condition, as well as its pricing, but do not resolve the question of its comparative value or quality in relation to other texts.

Frabjous
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Book Title
Classical Electrodynamics
Book Author/s
Ingarden
Book Publication Date
1985
Book Price
$250
Book Condition
3.00 star(s)
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Just out of curiosity, what is it that makes Amazon think anyone will pay $300 for it? Hard to see how a 39 year old text is worth that much. Is it THAT much better than modern texts?
 
I wouldn’t describe it as better. In fact, I would not generically recommend it. I wanted to support this new PF effort, and a book that is hard to find seemed apropo.
 
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Wonderful book.
 
OOPS ... I was supposed to put that in it's own thread. Will do so now.
 
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phinds said:
Just out of curiosity, what is it that makes Amazon think anyone will pay $300 for it? Hard to see how a 39 year old text is worth that much. Is it THAT much better than modern texts?

Frabjous said:
I wouldn’t describe it as better. In fact, I would not generically recommend it. I wanted to support this new PF effort, and a book that is hard to find seemed apropo.

To me, it's not a typical textbook on electromagnetism.
It is a rather interesting book because it starts with mathematics: tensors and twisted differential forms,
and discusses Maxwell's Equations and relativistic electrodynamics from a spacetime viewpoint...

...and then moves on to potential theory and electrostatics, magnetostatics, .... radiation.
 
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