What are some good books for understanding Lie Groups and Group Theory?

AI Thread Summary
A user seeks recommendations for books on Lie Groups and Group Theory to complement their Quantum Field Theory (QFT) course, noting that their professor's notes lack depth and proofs. Several users recommend "Group Theory in Physics" by Wu Ki Tung as an excellent resource. Another suggestion is "Groups, Representations and Physics" by H. F. Jones. However, there is a caution regarding Michael Tinkham's book, which is deemed unsuitable for Lie groups as it targets solid state theory. Additionally, "Quantum Field Theory" by Aitcheson and Hey is mentioned as a valuable resource that covers significant aspects of Lie group theory.
Norman
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I need a book recommendation for Lie Groups/Group Theory. I am taking a QFT course and the first month is a whirlwind intro to Group Theory with an emphasis on Lie Groups. There is no book, but only the professors notes that doesn't give any proofs. His notes simply states a bunch of theorems, then goes on to give only very trivial examples. So, I was wondering if anyone knows of any books that are especially good on the subject? They should be accessable to someone who has never seen the material before. Thanks for any help you can give.
Cheers,
Ryan
 
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Wu Ki Tung, Group Theory in Physics...Best book I have seen on the subject...

http://www.worldscibooks.com/physics/0097.html
 
Dr Transport said:
Wu Ki Tung, Group Theory in Physics...Best book I have seen on the subject...

http://www.worldscibooks.com/physics/0097.html

Ok... so my library doesn't have this one. Any other good ones out there. I am trying to get it through inter-library loan, but one never knows.
Thanks for the recommendation.
Cheers,
Ryan
 
You might try Groups, Representations and Physics, 2nd edition, by H. F. Jones.

Regards,
George
 
Also Michael Tinkham's Dover book.
 
juvenal said:
Also Michael Tinkham's Dover book.


Micheal Tinkhams book does not cover Lie groups, it is written for the solid state theorist. Aitcheson ahd Hey's Quantum Field Thoery book covers quite a bit of Lie group theory, I'd suggest it.
 
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