Which Calculus Textbook is Right for Me?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on selecting a rigorous calculus textbook, with participants recommending "Calculus" by Michael Spivak and "Introduction to Calculus and Analysis" by Richard Courant and Fritz John. Spivak's text is noted for its modern, theoretical approach, while Courant's offers a more classical, applied perspective, including more differential equations. The discussion highlights the historical context of both texts, with Courant's work originating in the 1930s and 1940s, and Spivak's in the 1960s. Additionally, participants suggest considering the rewritten edition by Fritz John for a more affordable option without sacrificing quality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts
  • Familiarity with mathematical rigor and proof techniques
  • Knowledge of differential equations
  • Awareness of historical context in mathematical literature
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Calculus" by Michael Spivak for its theoretical approach
  • Explore "Introduction to Calculus and Analysis" by Richard Courant and Fritz John for applied calculus
  • Investigate the availability of the solutions manual for Spivak's 3rd edition
  • Examine free resources on rigorous mathematics available through ERIC
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and mathematics enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of calculus through rigorous texts, as well as those looking for quality problem sets to enhance their learning experience.

randommanonea
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Hello,
Can anybody help me by recommending a rigorous calculus textbook.
I have done some parts of Thomas's Calculus and the questions in it are mainly computational (plug and chug type).
I want a book which is both rigorous and has good quality questions.

I have selected two books-
1.) Calculus by Spivak
2.) Introduction to calculus and analysis by Courant
Which is better ?
 
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From reading both, I deduced that Spivak learned from Courant, and wrote a more modern, more theoretical version. It doesn't hurt to have both of those, or whatever ones budget allows. Spivak is lots of fun and extremely well written. Courant is also very well written in a more classically scholarly and serious tone.

the difference in terms of content is that courant has a more applied flavor and spivak is completely pure. E.g. there are more differential equations in courant.

the theoretical tone is also a little different since courant was written in the 30's and 40's and uses concepts like "accumulation points" while spivak was written in the 60's and uses slicker "least upper bound" axioms.unfortunately the days when i bought courant for $6.75 are gone, and it sells new now for over $100. so i recommend getting instead a copy of the rewrite by fritz john, by courant and john, as almost he same, maybe mathematically a little better or at least more modern, and often much cheaper.

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Introduction to Calculus and Analysis, Vol. II/1 (Classics in Mathematics) (ISBN: 3540665692 / 3-540-66569-2)
Richard Courant; Fritz John
Bookseller: BEST BARGAIN BOOKS
(EAST PATCHOGUE, NY, U.S.A.)

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I have replaced my original link to an international edition with this one costing $5 more, since I am philosophically opposed to international editions which to me are to some extent illegal or at least immoral when purchased in the USA.
 
Last edited:
Either of these books would be well supplemented by either of Professor Binmores' offerings

Mathematical Analysis
Calculus

These are much more modern treatments.



Advanced Calculus by Buck is also good and dates between Spivak and Binmore.

go well
 
From reading both, I deduced that Spivak learned from Courant, and wrote a more modern, more theoretical version. It doesn't hurt to have both of those, or whatever ones budget allows. Spivak is lots of fun and extremely well written. Courant is also very well written in a more classically scholarly and serious tone.

the difference in terms of content is that courant has a more applied flavor and spivak is completely pure. E.g. there are more differential equations in courant.

the theoretical tone is also a little different since courant was written in the 30's and 40's and uses concepts like "accumulation points" while spivak was written in the 60's and uses slicker "least upper bound" axioms.unfortunately the days when i bought courant for $6.75 are gone, and it sells new now for over $100. so i recommend getting instead a copy of the rewrite by fritz john, by courant and john, as almost he same, maybe mathematically a little better or at least more modern, and often much cheaper.

Stock Image
Introduction to Calculus and Analysis, Vol. II/1 (Classics in Mathematics) (ISBN: 3540665692 / 3-540-66569-2)
Richard Courant; Fritz John
Bookseller: BEST BARGAIN BOOKS
(EAST PATCHOGUE, NY, U.S.A.)

Bookseller Rating:
Quantity Available: 4
Book Description: Springer. Book Condition: New. New, unread, unused and in perfect condition. Bookseller Inventory # 2-BT-13-01-939

Bookseller & Payment Information | More Books from this Seller | Ask Bookseller a QuestionPrice: US$ 25.44
Convert Currency
Shipping: US$ 3.99
Within U.S.A.
Destination, Rates & Speeds
\
I have replaced my original link to an international edition with this one costing $5 more, since I am philosophically opposed to international editions which to me are to some extent illegal or at least immoral when purchased in the USA.there are also free smsg books that have more rigor than most texts today:

http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPorta...RICExtSearch_SearchValue_0="Herriot+Sarah+T."
 
Last edited:
Anyone have the solutions manual for spivak's 3rd edition? or tell me where to buy/find it? There doesn't seem to be one. Thanks
 

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