Peskin & Schroeder: Is it a Good First Time QFT Book?

[Norman]

Hello all,

Just wondering if Peskin and Schroeder is a good first time QFT book? If so, what would be a good book to supplement it with?
Cheers,
Norm

 

[slyboy]

QFT books generally take one of two approaches. They either start with path integrals or they derive everything that they possibly can before introducing them. If you have never met a path integral before then the latter approach is usually easier. Peskin and Schroeder take this approach and I would say it is the most understandable book on the market for a first pass at the subject. It also has plenty of exercises, which you really need to get stuck into if you really want to understand the subject.

A random selection of other good books are Ryder (despite the lack of exercises), Kaku and the classic texts by Landau and Lifschitz.

 

[gnl]

I agree with slyboy, but I also suggest the excellent textbook by Bailin and Love. Don´t waste your time on Mandl and Shaw. The classic Bjorken and Drell is also a good choice for many parts. I don´t think one should follow one book only, but pick things here and there... Good hunting!

 

[EL]

Don´t waste your time on Mandl and Shaw.

What is the bad thing with this book?

 

[gnl]

I think it over-simplifies things, and in the end of the day you don´t learn much. With Peskin and Schroeder plus Bjorken and Drell and Bailin and Love you certainly don´t need it.

 

[EL]

I think it over-simplifies things, and in the end of the day you don´t learn much. With Peskin and Schroeder plus Bjorken and Drell and Bailin and Love you certainly don´t need it.

Ok, thanks. Just started reading it. Will maybe change...

 

[gnl]

It depends on the amount of time you have. Mind you, one can find also excellent notes on the web for free. One example:

http://www.lorentz.leidenuniv.nl/vanbaal/FTcourse.html