Intro Physics Readable paper version of Feynman's Physics textbooks

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the readability and quality of various editions of Feynman's physics textbooks, particularly for someone returning to study physics. The original 1976 edition is noted for its yellowed pages, making it difficult to read. Participants mention different printings, including the Commemorative edition from 1989, which reportedly has better paper quality and has not yellowed. The New Millennium edition is discussed as having decent paper and improved readability, although some users find the typesetting less appealing. Electronic versions are acknowledged but not the primary focus. Recommendations include checking out the Commemorative edition and the free online resources available at the Feynman Lectures website. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of print quality for readability, especially for older readers.
EdmundRonald
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Hi,

In my old age I've gone back to study physics at college. I own a really old (1976) edition of Feynman's physics textbooks, but the paper has yellowed to the point where I have trouble reading them, the contrast is low even though the print quality is ok.

Is there a printing on good paper from the original plates? Is there a modern printing that is better?

I really like these books, and as supplementary material they are useful for my courses, but a pain on my eyes.

Edmund
 
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Hi DaveE,

Thanks for looking at my question. There have been a variety of printings, from the original photo plates, and then a new typeset version for the new millenium edition. I wonder whether someone who has physically viewed these knows what the paper/print quality is. Of interest here mainly the old "Commemorative" edition which is printed from the original plates but might (?) be on decent paper, the new millenium edition seems to be a pain to read due to the fonts, according to some comments.

Electronic reading is not the topic here, although of course it sufferes from a different set of readability issues and ... advantages :)

Edmund
 
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In paper I have the original edition 6th printing (1977) and it's still in good shape and well readable (except that of course there are traces of use ;-)). I have the Millenium edition as pdfs and they are also very well to read (though of course, I've not printed them out on paper). It's typeset in LaTeX but with some other than the CM fonts (I guess the main font is the LMRoman font, but there are many more fonts).
 
vanhees71 said:
In paper I have the original edition 6th printing (1977) and it's still in good shape and well readable (except that of course there are traces of use ;-)). I have the Millenium edition as pdfs and they are also very well to read (though of course, I've not printed them out on paper). It's typeset in LaTeX but with some other than the CM fonts (I guess the main font is the LMRoman font, but there are many more fonts).
I have the same printing. My paper has yellowed, I am simply looking for one printed on better paper. Incredible book!

Edmund
 
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Holy smokes! I can't believe this is still going on!

An old copy started to yellow after 50 years. Buy a new one. Maybe it will only last 50 more years. How old will you be then?
 
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  • #10
Vanadium 50 said:
Holy smokes! I can't believe this is still going on!

An old copy started to yellow after 50 years. Buy a new one. Maybe it will only last 50 more years. How old will you be then?
Thank you, maybe you could help me. I want to order a new copy this week. But which?

- First edition: Good photostypeset print, really bad paper, some now yellowed.
- New Millenium: Decent paper, less good computer typeset print.

Ideally I want an edition that is phototypeset on acid-free paper, so I'm asking if anyone has seen one. Have you?

Edmund
 
  • #11
You need to ask on Bookbinders Forum.
 
  • #12
DaveE said:
Oh, yea, plus this. Which has completely solved the paper issues. And it's free.
https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/
Indeed. I've have copies of all his lectures on DVD. They are all awesome.
 
  • #13
To put the matter to rest: I've finally had a New Millenium Edition in my hands. The paper is a bit transparent but it's ok, the print is decent. In my opinion, for my ageing eyes, it is more readable than the old editions are now, although the price seems a bit high.

Edmund
 
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  • #14
dlgoff said:
Indeed. I've have copies of all his lectures on DVD. They are all awesome.
I didn't know that there was film? !

Edmund
 
  • #15
EdmundRonald said:
I didn't know that there was film? !

Edmund
Not a film but his lectures.
I got them from the internet a long time ago. I believe from here:
https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/
edit: see post #12 and #3 above
 

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