Discover the Best Calculus Books by Richard Courant for Learning from Scratch"

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The discussion centers around selecting the right calculus books for beginners. Participants recommend "Introduction to Calculus and Analysis" by Courant and Fritz John, particularly emphasizing the second volume's quality. There is some debate about whether to choose the older or newer editions of this work. Another suggested title is "Elementary Analysis: The Theory of Calculus" by Kenneth A. Ross, which is viewed as more suitable for foundational learning. The conversation also touches on the availability of less popular books by the same authors, including those on complex functions and variational calculus. Concerns are raised about accessing scans of the first volume, with participants discussing the legality and ethics of sharing such resources. Overall, the focus is on finding comprehensive and effective calculus materials for self-study.
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I have decided on reading this authors books. No specific reason but they sound good. I want to learn calculus from scratch. But I am confused as there are various books.

Introduction to Calculus and Analysis (2 volumes) Old and New editions. Which one?
Differential and Integral Calculus (2 volumes)

Which one(s) do I buy?
 
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I think you should use the one with fritz john, although I haven't tried his DI book (i.e the other series).

btw, he has more books than the ones which are popular, and most of them not always known to others.
such as a book on complex functions and a book on variational calculus.
 
P.S before buying you should check the net for a scan of the first volume of intro, I can't link you to it, cause obviously it will get erased by the mentors.
 
I have "Introduction to Calculus and Analysis", and its very good, especially volume 2.
 
loop quantum gravity said:
P.S before buying you should check the net for a scan of the first volume of intro, I can't link you to it, cause obviously it will get erased by the mentors.

Can you mail it to me? I'm going to buy after checking. My ID is krishna_anirudh@hotmail.com
 
And why will the link be erased? I don't see how its illegal if I'm going to buy the book. If other people who aren't going to buy it download it, then cannot that link be mailed to me? Can someone please help. I'd like to place an order soon.
 
Courant-John serves best as reference material, although it is a little more than that. The age of the books is felt when compared to more modern works. Namely, there is little to no discussion on the principles of set theory and algebra which lead to the foundations of analysis. I think a book much better suited to your goals is "Elementary Analysis: The Theory of Calculus" by Kenneth A. Ross.
 
Here's a link where you can search for the first volume.(http://rapidshare.com/files/65589527/Introduction_to_Calculus_and_Analysis.rar).
Contrary to what Werg said I think that as a book in calculus it's good and thourogh book, perhaps it's not modern and doesn't cover set theory, but as far as I know set theory is really used in courses in modern analysis such as measure theory and complex analysis and also topology.
 
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Thank you loop gravity.
 
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