Comprehensive Mechanics Book: Newtonian, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian & Relativistic

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for a comprehensive mechanics book that encompasses Newtonian, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, and Relativistic mechanics. Participants share their recommendations and experiences with various texts, focusing on their coverage and rigor.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about a comprehensive book covering multiple mechanics frameworks.
  • Another participant recommends "Goldstein" as a suitable text.
  • A different participant suggests "Classical Mechanics" by Taylor, noting it is simpler but less rigorous than Goldstein, and may be better for those new to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.
  • Another participant mentions "Marion and Thornton" as their introductory book, suggesting it could be a good option.
  • A further participant recommends "Hand & Finch," indicating it assumes some prior knowledge of Newtonian mechanics but is highly regarded.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best comprehensive mechanics book, with no consensus reached on a single recommendation.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations may depend on the reader's prior knowledge and familiarity with different mechanics frameworks.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in classical mechanics, particularly those seeking comprehensive resources that cover various mechanics approaches.

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I'm looking for a comprehensive book that covers Newtonian, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, and Relativitistic Mechanics. Is there such a book, and what is it called?
 
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Goldstein of course.
 
Classical Mechanics by Taylor does it too. It's simpler to understand than Goldstein, but much less rigorous. Still, if you never played with lagrangian/hamiltonian mechanics, you're better with Taylor.
 
Marion and Thorton was our introductory book.

You can look for them at amazon and read peoples opinions.
 
And I used Hand & Finch (and recommend it as much as I can recommend any classical mechanics book, although it sort of presupposes you know enough Newtonian mechanics.)
 

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