# Classical Possible textbook for Classical Mechanics

1. Dec 15, 2015

### physicswiz_1279

Hi, I was wondering what textbooks I should be looking at to learn classical mechanics. I have spent a lot of time looking, but none of the ones I found had what I was looking for. For example, one book would cover all basic concepts in classical mechanics, but then it wouldn't cover more advanced topics like the Lagrangian or Hamiltonian formulations. Instead, they would jump ahead and start talking about special relativity, or thermodynamics. If anyone has any suggestions, I would be very grateful for some input. I should also mention that mathematical rigor doesn't matter, I know single, and multivariable calculus, along with differential equations.

2. Dec 15, 2015

### bcrowell

Staff Emeritus
Last edited by a moderator: May 7, 2017
3. Dec 15, 2015

### Dr Transport

Marion and Thornton if you have not had a course in classical mechanics, Symon also is a good choice.

4. Dec 16, 2015

### Frimus

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5. Dec 16, 2015

### Conformal Bear

I like Goldstein's text, as mentioned above, as well ashttps://www.amazon.com/Classical-Me...22&sr=8-1&keywords=classical+mechanics+taylor. The latter has a fairly extensive selection of problems on the topics presented. The text by https://www.amazon.com/Mechanics-Third-Edition-Theoretical-Physics/dp/0750628960 is a little more difficult to follow, but it jumps straight into the principle of least action and provides helpful insight, especially upon subsequent readings.

Last edited by a moderator: May 7, 2017
6. Jan 30, 2017

### Avimanyu Ray

Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2017
7. Jan 31, 2017

### The Bill

I used Marion and Thornton 4e in university. My background was a standard three semester freshman/sophomore physics sequence, three semesters of calculus, a class in differential equations, and one intro linear/matrix algebra class.

8. Jan 31, 2017

### Staff: Mentor

How much math do you know?

9. Feb 15, 2017

### Avimanyu Ray

I wouldn't prefer much mathematical, as I'm not a pro in that. Like, I prefer Griffith to r.Shankar in quantum mechanics..so you see...

10. Feb 15, 2017

### smodak

Last edited: Feb 15, 2017
11. Feb 22, 2017

### alan2

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12. Feb 25, 2017

### bacte2013

Just out of curiosity, I am curious what do you mean by Marion's screwing up? I am actually considering buying his latest edition to do more problems, which were lacking at Landau/Lifshitz.

The OP should also consider L/L's VOl. I, which is great book for first introduction to the mechanics assuming that the OP has strong math background.

Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2017
13. Feb 25, 2017

### alan2

Sorry, that's probably personal bias. Marion is probably one of the least offensive new editions. The trend is to continue publishing good books long after the author dies. Someone's name gets added, they edit and alter in a style which is different and interrupts the flow, add white space and useless color pictures to justify new editions and outrageous prices, etc. Calculus texts are the worst offenders.

As I said, Marion hasn't changed much. But if you can pick up an original for next to nothing you should do that instead of paying $200 for a new one. 14. Feb 25, 2017 ### smodak The international edition is available for$12.70

https://www.amazon.com/Classical-Dynamics-Particles-Systems-Thornton/dp/8131518477

Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2017