Quantum Theory of Fields 3 Vols

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. The first volume introduces the foundations of quantum field theory, the second volume examines modern applications, and finally the third volume presents supersymmetry, an area of theoretical physics likely to be at the centre of progress in the physics of elementary particles and gravitation. The development is fresh and logical throughout, with each step carefully motivated by what has gone before. The presentation of modern mathematical methods is throughout interwoven with accounts of applications in both elementary particle and condensed matter physics. The three volumes contain much original material, and are 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. • A fresh and logical approach to this core topic • Written by a distinguished Nobel Prize winner • Very well known and successful author, e.g. Gravitation and Cosmology (1972); The First Three Minutes (1977); Dreams of a Final Theory (1993) • A valuable reference work for all who use quantum field theory, as well as a textbook appropriate to graduate courses'... 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. Weinberg's book is for serious students of field theory.' 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'... a clear presentation of the subject, explaining the underlying concepts in much depth and in an accessible style. I expect that these volumes will become the first source we turn to when trying to answer the challenging questions asked by bright postgraduates when they first encounter quantum field theory ... I have no doubt that The Quantum Theory of Fields will soon be found on the bookshelves of most particle theorists, and that it will be one of the main sources used in the preparation of lectures on the subject for postgraduate students.' C. T. C. Sachrajda, The Times Higher Education Supplement '... Steven Weinberg is one of our most gifted makers of theoretical tools as well as a virtuoso in their use. His new book conveys both the satisfaction of understanding nature and the feel of the atelier, for the 'modern applications' of its subtitle include both the derivation of physical consequences and the development of new tools for understanding and applying field theory itself ... Modern Applications is a splendid book, with abundant useful references to the original literature. It is a very interesting read from cover to cover, for the wholeness Weinberg's personal perspective gives to quantum field theory and particle physics.' Chris Quigg, Science 'Weinberg is of course one of the creators of modern quantum field theory, as well as of its physical culmination, the standard model of all (nongravitational) interactions. It is ... very timely that this latest part of his monograph, devoted to supersymmetry and supergravity, has just appeared. As a text, it has been pretested by Weinberg for a freestanding one-year graduate course; as a clear organizing reference to this extremely vast field, it will help the experts as well ... Weinberg's style of presentation is as clear and meticulous as in his previous works.' Stanley Deser, Journal of General Relativity and Gravitation'The third volume of The Quantum Theory of Fields is a self-contained introduction to the world of supersymmetry and supergravity. It will be useful both for experienced researchers in the field and for students who want to take the first steps towards learning about supersymmetry. Unlike other books in this field, it covers the wide spectrum of possible applications of supersymmetry in physics.' Hans Peter Nilles, Nature 'Weinberg tries to be as elementary and clear as possible and steers clear of more sophisticated mathematical tools. Together with the previous volumes, this volume will serve as an invaluable reference to researchers and a textbook for graduate students.' G. Roepstorff, Zentralblatt MATH