Classical Dynamics

Rating:
Summary: From my experience with the book
Review: Chronologically, "Classical Dynamics" was Donald Greewood's second major publication on Analytical Dynamics, covering more advanced topics than the ones in "Principles of Dynamics," whose first edition preceded "Classical Dynamics" by some 12 years.

"Classical Dynamics" is a somewhat more readable text, but just like its companion book, it fails to address issues like how one can use Lagrange's equations (or Hamilton's, for that matter) to correctly account for the effects of nonlinear dissipative forces. Also, its treatment of velocity-dependent potentials could be substantially extended, as could the chapter on Relativity.

On the other hand, the chapters on variational principles, the Pprinciple of Least Action, Hamilton's mechanics, and, above all, canonical transformations are an absolute "must-read"!

An updated, extended second edition would be most welcome now.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Supporting Book
Review: Chronologically, "Classical Dynamics" was Donald Greewood's second major publication on Analytical Dynamics, covering more advanced topics than the ones in "Principles of Dynamics," whose first edition preceded "Classical Dynamics" by some 12 years.

"Classical Dynamics" is a somewhat more readable text, but just like its companion book, it fails to address issues like how one can use Lagrange's equations (or Hamilton's, for that matter) to correctly account for the effects of nonlinear dissipative forces. Also, its treatment of velocity-dependent potentials could be substantially extended, as could the chapter on Relativity.

On the other hand, the chapters on variational principles, the Pprinciple of Least Action, Hamilton's mechanics, and, above all, canonical transformations are an absolute "must-read"!

An updated, extended second edition would be most welcome now.

Rating:
Summary: So so.
Review: I recommend berkeley physics course and Symon's mechanics rather than this. And lecture on physics, Feynman. If you are upper class.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Supporting Book
Review: This book is an excellent read, and it explains concepts with unusual clarity. I wouldn't suggest it as a main text, but it is an excellent supplement to others, such as Goldstein or Jose and Saletan. I found this little book explained many concepts far better than these "standards" that are used in most graduate mechanics courses. It includes many nice examples. It also includes the answers to the problems in the back. How often do you see that in a graduate level book? I also think it is an excellent read for physics graduate students, who are just trying to get through the comprehensive exam rather than master the details of classical mechanics.