General reading on
quantum mechanics and modern physics that you might enjoy:
The Quantum Challenge: Modern Research on the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics by Greenstein and Zanonc
An
excellent book for the mathematically adept which breaks down modern quantum
experiments in an understandable way.
The authors do a wonderful job of putting the "sense" back
into seemingly nonsensical results.
Schrdinger's Cat by John Gribbins
A
layman's explanation of the strangeness of quantum mechanics. Sometimes he gets carried away, but
it's a good introduction to the philosophical side of the science.
Feynman Lectures vol III by Richard Feynman
This
series is a classic but it is also a quirky look at quantum mechanics by the
father of quantum electrodynamics.
This book is not the best for the beginning student of quantum
mechanics, but gives good insight into the subject for students who already
have had the course. You might
want to try it next semester or later.
The Character of Physical
Law by Richard Feynman
More
quirky Feynman, but written for the layman. Interesting insights into general physics.
Quantum Mechanics vol I by Cohen-Tanoudji et al.
Classical
graduate text that is uncommonly well written. Great reference.
The First Three Minutes by Steven Weinberg
Written
for the layman, this little book gives a clear explanation of the uniting of
modern particle physics with Big Bang cosmology. A bit out of date by now, but still valuable.
The Tao of Physics
A
mystical view of particle physics.
Although there are a few errors and hyperbole, it is much better than
its competitor, The Dancing Woo Li Masters (which is full of mistakes and misunderstandings of basic physics)
The Inflationary Universe by Alan Guth
Written
by the father of modern cosmology, this book is a "must read" for
cosmologists. It is extremely well
written and covers not only the science but the history of the development of
inflation. I had the pleasure of
meeting Alan Guth once. He is
known for being not only one of the most brilliant living physicists but also
for being a kind and honest soul, a reputation not shared by many at his level
of accomplishment.
Warped Passages by Lisa Randall
A
well written, recent look at space-time and quantum mechanics. Very worthwhile.
The Making of the Atomic
Bomb by Richard Rhodes
This
is the history as well as the science (a little above layman-level) of the
Manhattan Project and the race in Germany and elsewhere to develop the atomic
bomb. It deservedly won the
Pulitzer prize. I couldn't put it
down. Bill Hollsworth (a former
VSU physics major) said that every physics student should read it.
The Story of e by Eli Maor
Since
all of wave mechanics depends on the use of e, you should really read this book sometime. It is clear and beautifully written. Primarily for the layman, it also
contains material for the mathematically sophisticated reader.
Flatland by Edwin A. Abbot
I
read this classic when I was in high school and it forever changed the way I
look at the universe. It is
written in an old style that at first might seem cumbersome, but if you stick
with it you will see its artistry.
The Fourth Dimension by Rudy Rucker
This
book is a whimsical. It gives you
various exercises to try to get you to "visualize" a fourth
dimension. If you plan to read
this, read Flatland first.
Subtle is the Lord by Abraham Pais
This
biography of Einstein is not only about the man but also about his
science. It is rigorous and not
for the faint-hearted, although it can be read without delving into the scientific
details. This book is considered
to be the best ever written on Einstein.
Why People Believe Weird
Things by Shermer
If
you read only 1 book from this list, make it this one. It will help hone your scientific
skills.