Product Description

Available for the first time in paperback, The Quantum Theory of Fields is a self-contained, comprehensive, and up-to-date introduction to quantum field theory from Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg. Volume I introduces the foundations of quantum field theory. The development is fresh and logical throughout, with each step carefully motivated by what has gone before. After a brief historical outline, the book begins with the principles of relativity and quantum mechanics, and the properties of particles that follow. Quantum field theory emerges from this as a natural consequence. The classic calculations of quantum electrodynamics are presented in a thoroughly modern way, showing the use of path integrals and dimensional regularization. It contains much original material, and is peppered with examples and insights drawn from the author's experience as a leader of elementary particle research. Exercises are included at the end of each chapter.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #45228 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 609 pages

Review
‘… an impressively lucid and thorough presentation of the subject … Weinberg manages to present difficult topics with richness of meaning and marvellous clarity. Full of valuable insights, his treatise is sure to become a classic, doing for quantum field theory what Dirac’s Quantum Mechanics did for quantum mechanics. I eagerly await the publication of the second volume.’ S. S. Schweber, Nature

‘For over twenty years there has been no good modern textbook on the subject. For all that time, Steven Weinberg has been promising to write one. That he has finally done it … is cause for celebration among those who try to teach and try to learn the subject.’ Howard Georgi, Science

‘To summarize, Foundations builds the structure of quantum field theory on the sure footing of physical insight. It is beautifully produced and meticulously edited … and it is a real bargain in price. If you want to learn quantum field theory, or have already learned it and want to have a definitive reference at hand, purchase this book.’ O. W. Greenberg, Physics Today

‘In addition to a superb treatment of all the conventional topics there are numerous sections covering areas that are not normally emphasized, such as the subject of field redefinitions, higher-rank tensor fields and an unusually clear and thorough treatment of infrared effects … this latest book reinforces his high scholarly standards. It provides a unique exposition that will prove invaluable both to new research students as well as to experienced research workers. Together with Volume 2, this will become a classic text on a subject of central importance to a wide area of theoretical physics.’ M. B. Green, CERN Courier

‘I believe that what readers will find particularly helpful in this volume is the consistency of the whole approach, and the emphasis on quantities and properties that are directly useful to particle physicists. This is particularly true for those who are interested in the more phenomenological aspects. The reader only needs limited backround knowledge, and a clear line is followed throughout the book, making it easy to follow. The author presents extremely thorough but elementary discussions of important physical questions, some of which seem to be an original way of addressing the subject.’ J. Zinn-Justin, Physics World

‘This is a well-written book by one of the masters of the subject … it is certainly destined to become a standard text book and should find its way to the shelves of every physics library.’ J. Madore, Classical and Quantum Gravity

‘The book starts out with an excellent historical introduction, not found anywhere else, giving citations to many by now classic papers … a valuable reference work as well as a textbook for graduate students.’ G. Roepstorff, Zentralblatt für Mathematik

Customer Reviews

Deeply penetrating and rewarding, but challenging
Steven Weinberg delivers an outstanding and extraordinarily rich treatment of a difficult subject. This is a book for deep study and reflection, and only for serious students who are willing to put in the effort and stay the course. Weinberg makes no secret of his preference for the Feyman, particle-based approach, as opposed to Schwinger's field theoretic approach, and remains consistent in his treatment of the subject. As a result, Feynman's path integral methods are particularly well treated, but the real delight of the book is in its relentless probing of the many interconnections of quantum field theory. The books are difficult, and a pencil and paper at one's side for working out the steps between one equation and the next is essential. Weinberg expects you to work through this book, not just soak it up in a pedestrian and leisurely way. And a prior exposure to quantum field theory is probably necessary. However, Weinberg's prose makes one long for the unique combination of sheer elegance and profound originality of Paul Dirac's classic Principles of Quantum Field Theory, and it lacks the feeling of superb craftsmanship exhibited by the latter. With this caveat, it is without doubt the finest and most original modern treatment of the subject

Excellent for those knowing QFT. Difficult for new learners
A superb reference book, and one that those with some grounding in quantum field theory can learn many good things from. However, I believe students trying to learn what many consider a difficult subject will have a tough go of it. Being so brilliant, Weinberg may have trouble (not so rare in physics)teaching at the level of the students, rather than from the level of the accomplished. Nevertheless, this is a book everyone in the field should have on his/her bookshelf.

Outstanding; Clearly the best book on the subject
This is THE book on quantum field theory. The only blemish is the idiosyncratic metric used. It is quite thorough, very cleary explained (though he could have done a better job in some places) and coherent. There is no other book on the subject that comes close.