Classical Statistical Mechanics 3rd Edition by Pathria and Beale

AI Thread Summary
Pathria's book on statistical mechanics is perceived by some as disorganized, leading to an uneasy reading experience. Despite this, it is favored over other graduate texts, with preferences noted for Pathria and Beale. Comparisons are made with Kardar's book, which is seen as more organized but overly concise. Landau and Lifshitz are mentioned as a close second in quality. The discussion acknowledges the inherent difficulty of graduate-level statistical mechanics, noting that even successful students often feel uncomfortable with the material. Kerson Huang's book is also referenced, though only partially read by one participant. Overall, the conversation highlights varying opinions on the organization and accessibility of key texts in statistical mechanics.
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I would like to know if I'm the only one finding Pathria's book not organized and somehow I have an uneasy feeling when reading it. What are other graduate books in statistical mechanics (aside from Kardar's book which is more organized but too concise)? How does Pathria's book compare to others?
 
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I prefer Pathria and Beale to any graduate statistical mechanics book that I know of. I actually took a Statistical mechanics from one of the authors. Perhaps, Landau and Livshts is a near second. The subject graduate statistical mechanics has always been a hard one to approach. I liked statistical nechanics but I know many cases where students who do well in the course are uncomfortable with it.
 
I just thought of another one. Statistical Mechanics by Kerson Huang, although I have only read about 100 pages in that one.
 

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