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Course of Theoretical Physics #5
Course of Theoretical Physics: Vol. 5, Statistical Physics, Part 1
A lucid presentation of statistical physics and thermodynamics which develops from the general principles to give a large number of applications of the theory.
564 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 1, 2009
As close as pure poetry as a physics textbook can get.
This is physics for real men - no watering down, over-explained chewing-gum cheerleader stuff - this is Physics the Russian way!
This is physics for real men - no watering down, over-explained chewing-gum cheerleader stuff - this is Physics the Russian way!
April 4, 2011
I love statistical physics. Hands down, it's one of my favorite physical courses thus far. That said, I picked up Landau & Lifshitz as a complementary book to my regular textbook. I respect the work of both authors very much and I hoped that the book will broaden my knowledge on my favorite subject. Alas, the book has two faults (hence the two stars missing). The writing style of the authors doesn't sit well with me. I had the same problem with their Classical mechanics, so I suppose that the writing of Statistical physics is not a singular occurrence. Not my cup of tea.
The second problem is that the book is very advanced. As an undergraduate student just starting out with my statistical physics course, picking up this book wasn't a good idea. At the time, I was not able to derive expressions and formulas on my own, and I needed a detailed textbook where I could follow the derivations (that require several pages) and read the explanations behind every step. That's over the top for beginners.
The second problem is that the book is very advanced. As an undergraduate student just starting out with my statistical physics course, picking up this book wasn't a good idea. At the time, I was not able to derive expressions and formulas on my own, and I needed a detailed textbook where I could follow the derivations (that require several pages) and read the explanations behind every step. That's over the top for beginners.
November 27, 2023
This is simply the best book on the subject that I ever read and the best of the Course of Theoretical Physics by the same authors.
September 9, 2024
Absolute classic in the field. Clear and intuitive presentation. Particularly impressive the way Quantum and classical theories are presented cohesively.
February 24, 2016
the first half of the book explain SM in different way from other books
it use different picture (beside mental copies ) about ensemble members
and adjust heavily density matrix in classic part so it can be more logical to change toward QSM ...
CAUTION.. almost the half of the book is about is about Solid State Physics
and despite the size of the book, many new applications of SM , like phase transition.. do not fully treated...
it use different picture (beside mental copies ) about ensemble members
and adjust heavily density matrix in classic part so it can be more logical to change toward QSM ...
CAUTION.. almost the half of the book is about is about Solid State Physics
and despite the size of the book, many new applications of SM , like phase transition.. do not fully treated...
September 1, 2007
This loses a star only because I don't like stat phys. That said, this is the best book for it that I have seen. I used Landau/Lifschitz instead of the assigned text (Pathria).
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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