Symmetry and Spectroscopy: An Introduction to Vibrational and Electronic Spectroscopy

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Summary: One of the best understandable text!
Review: Although I am an undergraduate physics student but this is one of the best book on the vibrational spectroscopy, I used it to understand the application of the group theory and molecular vibrations.
Harris and Bertolucci wrote the text in a clear way with examples. I am only half way through the book but the way the text is presented, its evident how the rest of the book will be, Clear and to the point. Only minus point is that the character tables are not derived and are given in appendix and it also lacks the representation theory but after all it is a book on Spectroscopy and not on Group theory so I may not complain. In my openion, this book can be compared with Cotton and Bishop and if I have to understand the application of group theory and molecular vibrations I will certainly pick up Harris & Bertolucci.

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Summary: An Excellent Overview of Spectroscopy for Undergrads & Grads
Review: Harris and Bertolucci have written an excellent overview of general spectroscopy theory, appropriate for both undergraduate and graduate students. As a chemist, I found it very helpful as I took introductory quantum mechanics in graduate school and later used it as a practical guide to interpreting and understanding infrared spectra as a graduate student.

For the price, this is one of the best bargains available to students. Consider other Dover publications for great prices as well.

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Summary: An interesting little cookie of a book...
Review: This is probably one of the most useful books that deals with the subject of Molecular symmetry and how it applies to the derivation of IR Spectra, Molecular Orbital Theory, and UV VIS spec. Some parts can be sparse (Term symbol section is a little confusing at first go) so it pays to have a good Quant. book next to you... Lots of problems that are all solved. Excellent reference for some basic QM problems as well... Perhaps the best thing about this book is the fact that it is not (expensive).... So if you have the dosh, then go for it and finally figure out Group Theory and how it relates to IR and everything else...

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Summary: Best book for beginners
Review: This is the best book for those who dont have or dont remember any quantum mechanics background. The language is very simple to understand for non english speakers. A good book with low price for personal liabrary.