Description

It is an excellent, concise introduction to the topic. It presents mathematical treatments of abstract concepts in a clear and straightforward way. I think it will be most effective as a companion to other excellent introductory texts, but readers who want to review the material will find the author’s treatment of electricity and magnetism refreshing.

These lectures provide an introduction to a subject that together with classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and modern physics lies at the heart of today’s physics curriculum. This introduction to electricity and magnetism assumes only a good course in calculus, and familiarity with vectors and Newton’s laws; it is otherwise self-contained. Furthermore, these lectures, although relatively concise, take one from Coulomb’s law to Maxwell’s equations and special relativity in a lucid and logical fashion.

An extensive set of accessible problems enhances and extends the coverage. Review chapters spaced throughout the text summarize the material. Clear departure points for further study are indicated along the way.
The principles of electromagnetism, as synthesized in Maxwell’s equations and the Lorentz force, have such an astonishing range of applicability. A good introduction to this subject, even at the cost of some repetition, allows one to approach the many more advanced texts and monographs with better understanding and a deeper sense of appreciation that both students and teachers can share alike.