Frame-Dependent Analysis of Classical and Modern Physics

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Frame-Dependent Analysis of Classical and Modern Physics

Name: Frame-Dependent Analysis of Classical and Modern Physics
Author: Max Schenker
ISBN: 978-1419689543

VOLUME 1, PART 1 ELECTRODYNAMICS

by Max Schenker ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 26, 2009

A dense and thorough look at advanced scientific concepts.

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Calculation-heavy coverage of developments in physics over the 20th century.

Schenker starts his book, the first in what appears to be a series, with an overview of classical mechanics, focusing on transformation formulas and their applications and consequences. He takes a detailed look at the Lorentz transformation equations of rigid bodies (i.e., coordinate transformations) and, in many pages of equations, goes into more detail as he outlines the issues with length contraction and time dilation. For instance, “Now according to Special Relativity,” he says, “the time dilation effect should not be directionally dependent. And if the effect were examined with just respect to the mechanics underlying the design and function of the atomic clocks the values should equal according to the Principle of Relativity.” His attention then turns to Maxwell-Lorentz equations (or systems of equations), which he details at length as well. After this initial overview, Schenker turns his gaze toward areas of electrodynamics, which he investigates with pages upon pages of calculations. In fact, there are limited discussions from this point forward, just equations, and the grasp of mathematics required to follow along is quite formidable. Much of the text can feel like a quick romp through graduate-level physics—a feeling not unrealized by the author. “This work is designed for upper-graduate and graduate students and anyone familiar with Calculus, linear algebra, electrodynamics, and electromagnetism,” he says. That “familiarity” is a bit of an understatement. The work is academic through and through, which might be exactly what some students and passionately curious enthusiasts want. But if you’re hoping for an accommodating primer on classical and modern physics, you’ll need to start somewhere else.

A dense and thorough look at advanced scientific concepts.

Pub Date: April 26, 2009

ISBN: 978-1419689543

Page Count: 544

Publisher: BookSurge Publishing

Review Posted Online: June 2, 2015

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.