Introduction to Vector Analysis

Rating:
Summary: The older editions are better
Review: I have the third edition and the latest edition of this book. In my opinion, the later editions have been dumbed down considerably. In addition to developing the basics of vector analysis, the older editions included splendid discussions of curvilinear coordinates, tensor analysis and touched on differential forms (the wedge product being introduced). While the latest edition features appendices covering specific applications such as Maxwells and Navier-Stokes equations, the explanations are far too brief to be of much use. I suggest that interested parties attempt to get used older editions whose content were presumably under the control of Davis (not Snider) being much better written and probably less expensive. The older edition had few typos with very useful and entertaining problem sets. A better alternative book might be "Vectors and Tensors in Engineering and Physics" by Donald A. Danielson in paperback.

Rating:
Summary: The older editions are better
Review: I have the third edition and the latest edition of this book. In my opinion, the later editions have been dumbed down considerably. In addition to developing the basics of vector analysis, the older editions included splendid discussions of curvilinear coordinates, tensor analysis and touched on differential forms (the wedge product being introduced). While the latest edition features appendices covering specific applications such as Maxwells and Navier-Stokes equations, the explanations are far too brief to be of much use. I suggest that interested parties attempt to get used older editions whose content were presumably under the control of Davis (not Snider) being much better written and probably less expensive. The older edition had few typos with very useful and entertaining problem sets. A better alternative book might be "Vectors and Tensors in Engineering and Physics" by Donald A. Danielson in paperback.

Rating:
Summary: good introduction
Review: I just finished a class on Vector Analysis that used this book. This book is good for those who are interested in vectors. The authors start off with the basics and then move quickly to the more difficult lessons. Basically this text treats the material the same as a calculus text does with a couple of exceptions. First, the book moves more quickly than a calculus text, so if you are shaky on the first part i would advise having a calculus book there with you. Second, this book shows the proofs in a more precise manner that the calculus text that I used (Stewart). You study the same equations and theories, but now you have harder exercises to do at the end of the chapter (with most of the answers in the back of the book). So I would recommend this book to those interested in vectors who are familiar with them. Otherwise you may want to look at a calculus book to get up to speed first.

Rating:
Summary: best introduction book on the subjet
Review: I read it and I think it is *really* good (!) It avoids the abstract mathematical notation, but all the concepts are clearly explained, with lots of figures, and deep geometrical and physical intuition. I read many books on this subject in order to understand fluid mechanics and elementary electromagnetism, this is the best one. Even better than many physics books ! I don't know lots about mathematicians, but as a physician, you just have to read it !

Rating:
Summary: Great book for scientists!
Review: This book provides a great reference for people studying the physical sciences. I'm a Ph.D. student in Physical Chemistry and have been using it extensively to help out with some other courses. It might not be as good for someone with a more puritanical or abstract interest, e.g. a mathematician, but it's great for anyone that needs a handy reference that explains the rudiments of vector analysis.

Rating:
Summary: Good for reference, not so good by itself
Review: This book was used in my vector calculus class at UCSD. I think if I was in one of my upper division engineering classes it would be great to use as a reference to help me figure out problems. However, as a math book alone, this was not too helpful. Many of the explanations lack clarity and are from a mathmatician's point of view (in other words, very difficult for lower division students who are not math majors to understand). Also, a lot of the problems are practically impossible. The only reason I did alright in this class was because I had a great teacher. I would recommend this book for people who are in science or engineering classes and need a superficial introduction to vector calculus, but NOT for math classes that go into deep analysis of vectors.

Rating:
Summary: This book is awful
Review: This has to be one of the worst math books on the market. While it starts off OK (with the review of vector addition and algebra), the treatment of later material is terrible. The authors provide skimpy and disorganized explanations with insanely difficult problems. Get a good teacher for this class (or a better book) or you'll be in for a rough ride.

Rating:
Summary: Clear, Concise, and Useful
Review: This text presents each subject in a very clear manner. Every subject is developed in concise proofs that are easy to remember and satisfying to those who require mathematical proofs to understand the derivation of the subjects but are not interested in long-winded theory. After each section's quick and dirty derivation, the authors provide a small yet effective selection of challenging questions to be able to gain confidence in the subject. The style of the book is also refreshing in this age of heavy books with flashy photos and wasted space. This book includes 408 pages full of useful mathematics and vector diagrams but nothing else; the book is very light and small. This is a classic.