Need book suggestion: Introduction to Hilbert Spaces

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a course in Mathematical Physics that includes topics such as topology, metric spaces, differential forms, and group theory, with a focus on Hilbert spaces. The primary textbook is "Math Methods" by Arfken, but there is a search for alternatives to Berberian's "Intro to Hilbert Spaces." Suggestions include works by Debnath and Mikusinski, with an emphasis on the depth of coverage desired. One participant highlights the clarity of Berberian's writing but expresses difficulty in obtaining the book. David Luenberger's book is recommended as a clear introduction to Hilbert spaces and functional analysis, particularly for its applications in optimization. The discussion also notes that many functional analysis texts include chapters on Hilbert spaces, indicating a broad availability of resources depending on the reader's needs.
RichardParker
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Our last course on Mathematical Physics covers topology, topological spaces, metric spaces; differential forms; introduction to group theory including finite and continuous groups, group representations, and Lie groups.

The textbook to be used is Math methods by Arfken and Intro to Hilbert Spaces by Berberian .

However I am looking for alternatives to Berberian. Do you know some good intro books to Hilbert Spaces?
 
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Debnath and Mikusinski ? The majority of functional analysis books have chapters on Hilbert spaces, anyways, it all depends on how deep into the serious things you wish to go.
 
I remember Berberian's book in general, and that introductory book on Hilbert space in particular, as about as clear and readable as a math book can be. So I am curious as to what you are looking for that Berberian does not provide? More topics?
 
@mathwonk: The (silly) reason is that I wasn't able to obtain a copy of the book. :shy:
 
dextercioby said:
Debnath and Mikusinski ? The majority of functional analysis books have chapters on Hilbert spaces, anyways, it all depends on how deep into the serious things you wish to go.

I can't speak on the book personally, but I know Dr. Mikusinski (I just had tea with him this afternoon, in fact) and if he writes as well as he teaches, his book is probably excellent.
 
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