What Are the Best Books on the Development of Quantum Field Theory?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Son Goku
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Qft
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on recommendations for books that explore the development of Quantum Field Theory (QFT). Users highlighted "Conceptual Developments of 20th Century Field Theories" by Tian Yu Cao as a significant resource, particularly for its historical context. Additionally, the first chapter of Steven Weinberg's QFT book was noted as a valuable reading for understanding foundational concepts. Participants expressed satisfaction with these selections, indicating their relevance for those seeking a deeper understanding of QFT and its historical development.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Familiarity with Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)
  • Basic knowledge of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Ability to comprehend advanced mathematical concepts related to physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "Conceptual Developments of 20th Century Field Theories" by Tian Yu Cao
  • Study the first chapter of Steven Weinberg's QFT book
  • Explore historical analyses of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)
  • Investigate additional resources on the evolution of Quantum Field Theory
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, researchers in theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the historical development of Quantum Field Theory will benefit from this discussion.

Son Goku
Messages
113
Reaction score
21
I was wondering if anybody could recommend some books which deal with the development of QFT.
I'm almost finished Schweber's "QED and the men who made it", which I found excellent, however it only deals with QED.
So are there any other good histories of QFT?

And is there a "History of QCD" book, which is to QCD what Schweber's book is to QED.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The first chapter in Weinberg's first volume of his QFT book is also a useful reading...

Daniel.
 
robphy said:
Conceptual Developments of 20th Century Field Theories (Paperback)
by Tian Yu Cao
Thanks, I picked it up in my university library, it's exactly what I wanted.

dextercioby said:
The first chapter in Weinberg's first volume of his QFT book is also a useful reading...

Daniel.
I also picked this up, the history section is a little terse, obviously though since it is an exposition on the subject itself.
However, even though I don't know anywhere near the level of knowledge in this text or understand half the mathematics, it has shown me how far QFT goes. I won't be happy until I know QFT to this level.
Thanks for pointing it out.
 

Thread 'What is the best conceptual high school physics book?'

i am self learning physics. have you ever worked your way backwards again after finishing most undergrad courses? i have textbooks for junior/senior physics courses in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, and mathematical methods for self learning. i have the Halliday Resnick sophomore book. working backwards, i checked out Conceptual Physics 11th edition by Hewitt and found this book very helpful. What i liked most was how stimulating the pictures...
View full post »

Similar threads

Quantum Intro to Quantum Electrodynamics
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Quantum "WHAT IS A QUANTUM FIELD THEORY?" A First Introduction for Mathematicians
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
651
QFT books to continue after Schwartz
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Particle Schwartz and QFT Following Tong's Notes
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Quantum Books for intermediate to advanced level QFT
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Particle What are the best resources for studying physics beyond the standard model?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Best book on relativistic QM and QFT
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
11K
Quantum Books on electroweak and strong interactions (& QED)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Particle Transition between Quantum Mechanics and QFT
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Quantum Is Zuber's Quantum Field Theory textbook any good?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K