What Are the Best Advanced Mechanics Textbooks for Self-Study?

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The discussion centers on finding a suitable formal mechanics text for self-study after completing introductory mechanics in Halliday/Resnick/Walker. Keith Symon's "Mechanics" is highlighted as a potential choice, with some concerns raised about the clarity and correctness of its end-of-chapter exercises, as noted by reviewers. The conversation also touches on whether an intermediate text is necessary before progressing to Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics." It is suggested that if the learner's mathematical maturity is sufficient, they may not need an intermediate book, although caution is advised against jumping directly to Goldstein without adequate preparation. Ultimately, Symon is recommended as a solid option for those continuing their studies independently.
Rainman
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hi.
i have worked through the mechanics and waves/optics portions of halliday/resnick/walker "fundamentals of physics" 6/e (an introductory physics text), and i want to continue on self-studying mechanics.
could you suggest a formal mechanics text (or maybe it would be called a classical mechanics text?) that continues on from introductory mechanics (my math background 2 university calculus courses and a university linear algebra course).
Keith Symon's "mechanics" 3/e looks good...any comments on that text for those that are familiar with it?
thanks for any help/suggestions.
Jonathan
 
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thanks mmwave.
that was the other book that looked good.
the only thing was that quite a few reviewers on amazon.com complained of cryptic and/or faulty end of chapter exercises,which worried me for self study...how would you rate the end of chapter exercises (difficult problems are okay, but they should be clear and correct, right)?
another question: does this book lead to something like goldstein's "classical mechanics" or should there be a book in between that teaches lagrangian and hamiltonian mechanics prior to goldstein?
thanks
Jonathan
 
If your mathematical maturity is up to it, you don't need an intermediate text before Goldstein. Only you can answer that though.
 
I would NOT recommend jumping right to Goldstein from HRW and a year of Calculus + linear algebra. Symon is a good book. I agree that Cassiday and Fowles is not crystal clear, but I think of it as at a little lower level than Symon. My first choice would be Symon if you can't find a place to take a course.
 
okay, thanks for the help...i ordered symon.
 

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