Hartle too hard Need another suggestion

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The discussion centers on the challenges of learning General Relativity (GR) and Quantum Mechanics (QM) for individuals who prefer a more gradual, mathematically rigorous approach. Participants express frustration with textbooks that abruptly introduce complex equations without adequate explanation, particularly highlighting issues with Hartle's GR book. Recommendations for more accessible resources include "Relativity Demystified" by McMahon, "Exploring Black Holes" by Taylor and Wheeler, and "A General Relativity Workbook" by Thomas Moore, which are noted for their step-by-step calculations and clearer pedagogical approaches. The conversation also touches on the importance of foundational knowledge in mechanics and electromagnetism, suggesting that familiarity with texts like Griffiths' "Electrodynamics" can prepare learners for GR. Overall, the thread emphasizes the need for supportive, methodical resources in tackling these advanced physics topics.
  • #31
Hi Dirac, I would suggest Griffiths' Electrodynamics text. If you work through that, you should be completely fine and ready to hit a book like Hartle or what have you. Griffiths' text is friendly and conversational so you might like it; I sure loved the tone (although I haven't done every single chapter in the book). The last chapter gives an introduction into the Lorentz covariant formulation of Maxwell's electrodynamics within SR. However you don't need to worry too much about that for now because most GR books will cover the Lorentz covariant as well as general covariant formulations of Maxwell's electrodynamics (Wald has a particularly amazing and concise coverage of it, IMO). Good luck my friend!
 
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  • #32
WannabeNewton said:
Hi Dirac, I would suggest Griffiths' Electrodynamics text.

Right on. Thanks. I'll check that one out.
 

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