Local symmetry and forces, what book to read?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on recommended literature for understanding the relationship between local symmetry and forces in gauge theories. Key texts mentioned include "Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell" by A. Zee, "An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" by Peskin & Schroeder, and "Force of Symmetry" by Vincent Icke. Additional recommendations include "Fundamental Forces of Nature: The Story of Gauge Fields" by K. Huang and "Aspects of Symmetry" by S. Coleman. For a more accessible approach, "Deep Down Things: The Breathtaking Beauty of Particle Physics" by Bruce A. Schumm and the two-volume set "Gauge Theories in Particle Physics" by Aitchison and Hey are also suggested.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with gauge theories
  • Basic knowledge of particle physics
  • Mathematical concepts relevant to symmetry
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell" by A. Zee
  • Explore "Gauge Theories in Particle Physics" by Aitchison and Hey
  • Investigate "Deep Down Things: The Breathtaking Beauty of Particle Physics" by Bruce A. Schumm
  • Study "Aspects of Symmetry" by S. Coleman for historical context
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on gauge theories, local symmetry, and the mathematical foundations of particle physics.

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I would like some tips about what book I should read if I want to properly understand the relation between local symmetry and forces in gauge theories. And with properly uinderstand I mean a combination of mathematics and intuition/visualization.
On the topic of QFT I have the books by Zee ( ...nutshell) and Peskin&Schroeder (introduction to...) but still I would like something else. For instance I just noticed a book by Vincent Icke, Force of Symmetry, that might be something but I haven't bought it yet. So, who has some experience with good literature on this subject?
 
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There are many books. With Zee and Peskin&Schroeder you really have excellent material already. I think you could just concentrate on both.

There are many other possibilities, and choices mostly depend on taste of course. I have not read Vincent Icke, Force of Symmetry. It seems to me similar to K. Huang, Fundamental Forces of Nature, The Story of Gauge Fields (World Scientific, 2007). An excellent classic is S. Coleman, Aspects of Symmetry (Erice lectures) (CUP 1985) but it is becoming old.
 
humanino said:
There are many other possibilities, and choices mostly depend on taste of course.

This is very true, so I'll add a two more possibilities. First, the mainly non-mathematical book Deep Down Things: The Breathtaking Beauty of Particle Physics by Bruce A. Schumm,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/080187971X/?tag=pfamazon01-20,

and second, the very pedagogical two volume set, Gauge Theories in Particle Physics by Aitchison and Hey,

http://www.taylorandfrancis.com/sho.../search/search.asp!search=gauge$sortBy=1$pn=1

http://www.taylorandfrancis.com/sho.../search/search.asp?search=gauge&sortBy=1&pn=1.
 
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