Recommend a textbook of cosmology

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks on cosmology, aimed at graduate students and those interested in studying the subject. The scope includes various levels of complexity and focuses on different aspects of cosmology, such as the early universe, mathematical rigor, and introductory material.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest Weinberg's "Cosmology" for its deep insights, though it is noted to be mathematically challenging.
  • Kolb & Turner's "The Early Universe" is recommended for its authoritative take on the early universe, but it is considered specialized and not ideal for a general overview.
  • Narlikar's "An Introduction to Cosmology" is mentioned as well-written and accessible, though it reportedly spends too much time on alternative cosmologies.
  • Dodelson's "Modern Cosmology" is noted to be popular among some, despite one participant not having reviewed it extensively.
  • Mukhanov's "Physical Foundations of Cosmology" is described as difficult due to its mathematical level, although it has its proponents.
  • Ryden's "Introduction to Cosmology" is highlighted as a fun and easy read, suitable for beginners without heavy math.
  • Coles and Lucchin's "Cosmology" is favored by one participant for its balance of theory and observation, despite not being widely recommended by others.
  • Peebles' "Principles of Physical Cosmology" is acknowledged for its comprehensive overview, though one participant expresses a dislike for the writing style.
  • A. Liddle's "An Introduction to Modern Cosmology" is praised for its clarity and ease of understanding, particularly regarding hot big bang cosmology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best textbooks for cosmology, with no consensus on a single recommended text. Different preferences and experiences with the suggested books are evident.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations depend on the reader's mathematical background and specific interests within cosmology, indicating that the suitability of each text may vary based on individual needs.

eVulcanon
I am a graduate student. I want to study the cosmology, now. Can someone recommend a textbook of cosmology?
 
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For better or for worse, Cosmology isn't like E&M where there are just two dominant books (Griffiths, Jackson).

Some options are:

Weinberg - Cosmology
Quite difficult on the maths side, but amazing insight that only Weinberg can bring.

Kolb & Turner - The Early Universe
Authoritative book on the early universe. Rather specialized and high level, so if you want an overview of cosmology it's not great, but if you just want to know something about the early universe, they'll tell you about it.

Narlikar - An Introduction to Cosmology
Pretty well-written and easy to read, but I think he spends to much time on alternative cosmologies.

Dodelson - Modern Cosmology
Lots of people seem to like this one, although I haven't looked at it much myself.

Mukhanov - Physical Foundations of Cosmology
I found this one a little too hard, based on the level of math. Lots of other people seem to like it.

Ryden - Introduction to Cosmology
Very fun and easy to read, with no hard math... I like this one as a first exposure to cosmology.

Coles and Lucchin - Cosmology
I really like this one, although not many others seem to. Well written, good level of difficulty, good mix of theory and observation, structure formation is presented in a very accessible manner.

Peebles - Principles of Physical Cosmology
A length overview of cosmology by one of the legends in the field. I don't care much for his writing style though.

My recommendation: Try out Coles and Lucchin, and take a look at Dodelson, or if you think you can handle the math, go for Weinberg.

Also Leonard Susskind has a series of online lectures on Cosmology from Stanford (Itunes Store -> The Theoretical Minimum), although I find that he goes painfully slow. There's still some insight to be had though.
 
Last edited:
A very good text is: A. Liddle, An Introduction to Modern Cosmology.

The math is easy to follow with many sample calculations. It has a pretty complete treatment of hot big bang cosmology - very clear solutions to the Friedmann equation, then age of universe, cosmological constant, the early universe, and inflation.
 
thx a lot, you guys.
 

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