Classical Electromagnetism in a Nutshell - (In a Nutshell) by Anupam Garg (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive, modern introduction to electromagnetism

This graduate-level physics textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of the basic principles and phenomena of classical electromagnetism. While many electromagnetism texts use the subject to teach mathematical methods of physics, here the emphasis is on the physical ideas themselves. Anupam Garg distinguishes between electromagnetism in vacuum and that in material media, stressing that the core physical questions are different for each. In vacuum, the focus is on the fundamental content of electromagnetic laws, symmetries, conservation laws, and the implications for phenomena such as radiation and light. In material media, the focus is on understanding the response of the media to imposed fields, the attendant constitutive relations, and the phenomena encountered in different types of media such as dielectrics, ferromagnets, and conductors. The text includes applications to many topical subjects, such as magnetic levitation, plasmas, laser beams, and synchrotrons.

Classical Electromagnetism in a Nutshell is ideal for a yearlong graduate course and features more than 300 problems, with solutions to many of the advanced ones. Key formulas are given in both SI and Gaussian units; the book includes a discussion of how to convert between them, making it accessible to adherents of both systems.

• Offers a complete treatment of classical electromagnetism


• Emphasizes physical ideas


• Separates the treatment of electromagnetism in vacuum and material media


• Presents key formulas in both SI and Gaussian units


• Covers applications to other areas of physics


• Includes more than 300 problems

From the Back Cover

"This text provides a fresh, modern look at electrodynamics. It is comprehensive, chock full of interesting insights and anecdotes, and written with a clear enthusiasm."--Kenneth A. Intriligator, University of California, San Diego

"Garg displays considerable wisdom and courage in writing a long-overdue, modern treatment of electromagnetism. I wish I had this book when I was a student. It contains delightful morsels of deep insight (the introduction taught me that fields are as real as a rhinoceros, or as I might extend it, 'quantum fields are as real as quantum rhinos') and interesting topics that are rarely, if ever, treated in other texts."--A. Zee, author of Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell

"Garg demonstrates that while the mathematical beauty of his subject is deserving of the attention it gets, the physical implications are even more seductive. This book is a treasure trove of thoughtful and incisive nuggets. I expect to see it on the shelves of many students and professors the world over."--R. Shankar, Yale University

"An outstanding text. It offers delightful insights into the physics of electromagnetism rather than treating this subject as an excuse for laborious exercises in mathematical methods. It has the best treatment of electromagnetism in material media that I know. Remarkably lucid and enjoyable, and a worthy competitor to Jackson's classic text."--Jainendra Jain, Pennsylvania State University

"Classical Electromagnetism in a Nutshell is an interesting and elegant book, and an excellent text for a graduate-level course on the subject. Garg has a lively, modern writing style that will engage today's graduate students."--John D. Stack, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

"Garg's textbook is truly excellent. It goes the extra mile to provide physical insight in ways that will enhance students' understanding, and includes rarely seen topics as well. I want to compliment the author on the obvious care and expertise with which he assembled this text. If I were to teach a yearlong graduate-level electromagnetism course, I would use this book."--John W. Belcher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Review Quotes

"This is a very comprehensive book on classical electromagnetism covering historical introductions, detailed theoretical derivations with additional mathematical clarifications whenever necessary, practical applications, and numerous exercises and examples for teachers and students in this subject. It can certainly be a useful text-book for students as well as a good reference book for professionals in various fields of electromagnetism."---Vladimir Cadez, Zentralblatt MATH

About the Author

Anupam Garg is professor of physics and astronomy at Northwestern University.