Electromagnetics

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful introduction for anybody
Review: As a computer scientist who found himself doing EM simulation, I was in need of a good, easy to read, introductory text on Electromagnetics. After tring to read texts by numerous other authors, I settled on Kraus. It's very well writen and anyone who's interested in EM should be able to understand it (with a little fundimental calculus background). It's not too "mathy" and doesn't presupose a background in Electral Engineering: failings I've seen in other books. The style is very light while remaining technical: very much like Feynman's books. If you want to learn basic EM, this is the book to do it with. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Good for Applications
Review: Electromagnetism is a hard subject for many people, including myself. The best approach is to get a few good books on the subject rather than rely on one book. After doing a survey, I finally bought the following books suitable for my level: (i) Introductory Electromagnetics by Popovic and Popovic; (ii) Field and Wave Electromagnetics by Cheng; (iii) Electromagnetics with Applications by Kraus; (iv) Schaums Outline of Electromagnetics by Edminister. I give five stars to all these books. (There is another book which I will not review or identify, because it turned out to be unsatisfactory.)

I am reviewing these four books in one go because they are interrelated. Each of these book is strong in its own unique area.

Introductory Electromagnetics by Popovic and Popovic is the best of these book for gaining an intuitive understanding of the difficult subject of electromagnetism. Its clarity and elegance reminds me of Feynman's Lectures in Physics. Every chapter is a work of inspiration. The carefully chosen examples are designed to impart understanding of electromagnetic principles rather than calculation skills. The book is excellent for those who are new to the subject. It is also excellent for those who have already learned some electromagnetics, but who feel that their understanding is still shaky.

Field and Wave Electromagnetics by Cheng is the best of these books in terms of the mathematical development of electromagnetics. Although this approach may seem difficult at first glance, ironically the mathematical rigour makes the subject much easier to grasp. That is because mathematical precision goes a long way towards illuminating subtle principles of electromagnetism. As a result, this book, more so than any other book, has given me the confidence to handle the difficult subject of electromagnetism.

Electromagnetics With Application by Kraus is the least systematic of these books, with some of the discussions being disjoint and abrupt. It is, however, valuable for its interesting and practical examples. It is a must-have book for anyone who is serious about electromagnetism.

Schaums Outline of Electromagnetics, by Edminister, is an outstanding collection of problems and solutions, as well as summaries. It mirrors the excellence of Edminister's other Schaums Outline, namely, Electric Circuits.

In summary, these four books have different strengths, respectively the following: (i) intuitive development; (ii) systematic development; (iii) practical application; and (iv) problem solving. These books form an awesome quartet, covering all the bases, and will provide you with a good foundation for advanced studies. A useful supplement for these books is Schaums Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive and thourough intro to E&M!
Review: I consider this book to be one of the best books about E&M I've ever seen... it's quite technical but not cumbersome at all! Actually, I think it makes quite a pleasant reading! I've read other books on E&M and electrodynamics and I consider this book to be a very good intro to engineering electromagnetics. However, if you want a more theoretical insight, I recommend that you choose a good book on electrodynamics. This book is definitely worth buying!!

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive and thourough intro to E&M!
Review: I consider this book to be one of the best books about E&M I've ever seen... it's quite technical but not cumbersome at all! Actually, I think it makes quite a pleasant reading! I've read other books on E&M and electrodynamics and I consider this book to be a very good intro to engineering electromagnetics. However, if you want a more theoretical insight, I recommend that you choose a good book on electrodynamics. This book is definitely worth buying!!

Rating:
Summary: A lot of good, usuable information
Review: I found this to be informative from the beginning. The author does a very thorough job in explaining the nuances of electromagnetics.

Rating:
Summary: The previous edition was better
Review: If you are looking for an in-depth textbook on ELECTROMAGNETICS, then choose the 4th edition of this text. That book made me say, "Show me a better textbook if you can."

Not this one. This book, after giving you a brief introduction to electric and magnetic fields, goes to the applications of electromagnetics - transmission lines, waveguides etc. If these things interest you, choose this edition.

Otherwise, I recommend the 4th edition because it is simply the BIBLE of Electromagnetics.

Rating:
Summary: The previous edition was better
Review: If you are looking for an in-depth textbook on ELECTROMAGNETICS, then choose the 4th edition of this text. That book made me say, "Show me a better textbook if you can."

Not this one. This book, after giving you a brief introduction to electric and magnetic fields, goes to the applications of electromagnetics - transmission lines, waveguides etc. If these things interest you, choose this edition.

Otherwise, I recommend the 4th edition because it is simply the BIBLE of Electromagnetics.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: The best introduction to engineering physics I've ever read

Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC engineering e&m text - best I've found
Review: This is really a terrific all-around text. Not only broad, complete coverage of the theory, but lots of interesting real-world and practical stuff sprinkled in. Once again - I STRONGLY recommend this text.