Review by Choice Review
Seiden (Univ. of California, Santa Cruz) offers a very complete presentation of what is now known as the standard model of particle physics. So far, the standard model seems to provide an explanation at the microscopic level for all known physical phenomena except gravity, and represents the accumulation of a tremendous amount of knowledge acquired by physicists over the last several hundred years. This is not a book for the interested and well-informed layperson but rather is an advanced course resource intended for graduate students in physics, at least into their second year of graduate work. A solid grounding in quantum mechanics is assumed. The approach is pedagogical and topics are not presented from a historical point of view, nor are experimental techniques discussed involving particle detection or the use of accelerators. A large number of detailed calculations are provided, which the author feels will be of particular use to students planning experimental work. Each chapter is followed by eight to ten "homework" problems and, in addition to a very complete index, lists of general and chapter-specific references are included. Enthusiastically recommended for the libraries of institutions supporting a particle physics program. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students through professionals. R. L. Stearns emeritus, Vassar College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
