Discover the Best Calculus Books by Richard Courant for Learning from Scratch"

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on selecting the best calculus books by Richard Courant for beginners. Participants recommend "Introduction to Calculus and Analysis" (2 volumes) and "Differential and Integral Calculus" (2 volumes), with a preference for the edition featuring Fritz John. While acknowledging the age of Courant's works, users highlight their thoroughness, despite a lack of modern topics like set theory. Additionally, "Elementary Analysis: The Theory of Calculus" by Kenneth A. Ross is suggested as a more contemporary alternative.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of calculus concepts
  • Familiarity with mathematical analysis
  • Knowledge of set theory principles
  • Awareness of historical context in mathematics education
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Elementary Analysis: The Theory of Calculus" by Kenneth A. Ross
  • Explore modern calculus textbooks that include set theory and algebra
  • Investigate online resources for calculus book reviews and comparisons
  • Look for supplementary materials on complex functions and variational calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students and self-learners seeking a solid foundation in calculus, educators looking for reference materials, and anyone interested in the historical context of mathematical texts.

WiFO215
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I have decided on reading this authors books. No specific reason but they sound good. I want to learn calculus from scratch. But I am confused as there are various books.

Introduction to Calculus and Analysis (2 volumes) Old and New editions. Which one?
Differential and Integral Calculus (2 volumes)

Which one(s) do I buy?
 
Last edited:
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I think you should use the one with fritz john, although I haven't tried his DI book (i.e the other series).

btw, he has more books than the ones which are popular, and most of them not always known to others.
such as a book on complex functions and a book on variational calculus.
 
P.S before buying you should check the net for a scan of the first volume of intro, I can't link you to it, cause obviously it will get erased by the mentors.
 
I have "Introduction to Calculus and Analysis", and its very good, especially volume 2.
 
loop quantum gravity said:
P.S before buying you should check the net for a scan of the first volume of intro, I can't link you to it, cause obviously it will get erased by the mentors.

Can you mail it to me? I'm going to buy after checking. My ID is krishna_anirudh@hotmail.com
 
And why will the link be erased? I don't see how its illegal if I'm going to buy the book. If other people who aren't going to buy it download it, then cannot that link be mailed to me? Can someone please help. I'd like to place an order soon.
 
Courant-John serves best as reference material, although it is a little more than that. The age of the books is felt when compared to more modern works. Namely, there is little to no discussion on the principles of set theory and algebra which lead to the foundations of analysis. I think a book much better suited to your goals is "Elementary Analysis: The Theory of Calculus" by Kenneth A. Ross.
 
Here's a link where you can search for the first volume.(http://rapidshare.com/files/65589527/Introduction_to_Calculus_and_Analysis.rar).
Contrary to what Werg said I think that as a book in calculus it's good and thourogh book, perhaps it's not modern and doesn't cover set theory, but as far as I know set theory is really used in courses in modern analysis such as measure theory and complex analysis and also topology.
 
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Thank you loop gravity.
 

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