Not bad
12/28/2007
The book is not bad, it's more of a problem about the way the examples are written. They written out in text I personally like to see my math done out. I think that would have helped my with the problems a lot more.
Treatsie - WORTHLESS for learning
3/8/2008
This remains one of the most worthless technical texts I've ever run into - going back to at least the Second Edition of 1981. As a stand-alone, the text provides a survey of basic concepts in mechanics, wave theory, thermodynamics and electrodynamics. The example problems are pathetic and reflect a dismissive attitude towards the average undergraduate student who needs to learn how to APPLY the various physical laws to solve problems. Unless you have an excellent instructor who supplements heavily with problem solving and application, the problems will be a struggle. However, with the ready availability of solutions manuals these days on the internet, the shortcomings of the text are probably less apparent than when I used it for 3 physics classes in the late 1980s.
The weakest sections by far are the ones covering thermodynamics. The mechanics sections are only moderately better - which ain't saying much. Bottomline - If you really want a thorough coverage of mechanics and thermo -- get ENGINEERING texts on these subjects. You WILL NOT be able to learn a thing about problem solving or how to even approach solving problems from this text. Lots of F=ma equations with simple body-force diagrams ... then BAM you're hit with applying to complex scenarios on your own. WORTHLESS