Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum

by Leonard Susskind, Art Friedman, Leonard Susskind
Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Science and Innovation
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 2066
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780141977829
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2014-02-25
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Dive into the fascinating world of quantum mechanics with this unique guide designed for amateur scientists. World-renowned physicist Leonard Susskind and data engineer Art Friedman break down complex concepts with clarity and provide step-by-step exercises to help you grasp the fundamentals. This book is a practical toolkit that sets out the most mysterious aspects of reality with crystalline clarity, making it an essential read for anyone curious about the inner workings of the universe. Unlike traditional textbooks, this book focuses on building your skills to tackle quantum mechanics yourself. It covers key fields of the subject and offers lively explanations that make a notoriously difficult topic accessible. Whether you're a student, a hobbyist, or simply someone intrigued by the quantum world, this book will equip you with the tools you need to explore further.

Reviews
Reddit - r/math · 2021-01-01
rewarding 4.50

The book is highly praised for its mathematical rigor and rewarding reading experience. It is considered one of the best books from a mathematical standpoint.

This Reddit review emphasizes the book's mathematical rigor and the rewarding feeling it gives to readers. The reviewer finds it one of the best books they've read from a mathematical perspective, indicating that the book's approach to quantum mechanics is both challenging and satisfying. They appreciate the depth of the mathematical explanations and the clarity with which complex concepts are presented.

Quick quotes

    Quantum Mechanics - The Theoretical Minimum is one of the best books I've ever read from a mathematical standpoint.

    It just feels so rewarding.

    The book is very well written and the explanations are clear and precise.

Lee Pavelich's Blog · Lee Pavelich · 2017-10-05
unique 4.20

The book takes a unique approach by starting with spin, which is foreign to classical physics. It is praised for its clear and lively explanations of basic concepts.

Lee Pavelich's review notes that Susskind and Friedman take a different approach by starting with spin, which lacks a classical analogue, making it a unique entry point into quantum mechanics. The reviewer appreciates the clear and lively explanations of basic concepts, which are complemented by step-by-step exercises. This approach makes the book both accessible and engaging, even for those who may find quantum mechanics intimidating.

Quick quotes

    Susskind and Friedman take a different tack: they start with spin, which doesn't really have any classical analogue and hence is rather foreign to the intuition.

    They provide clear, lively explanations of basic concepts, introduce the key fields of quantum mechanics and include step-by-step exercises.

    This book is a great introduction to quantum mechanics for those who are willing to put in the effort to understand the mathematics.

Backreaction Blog · Sabine Hossenfelder · 2014-04-12
comprehensive 4.00

The book provides a comprehensive introduction to quantum mechanics, starting with state vectors and operators. It is praised for its clear explanations and engaging approach to complex topics.

This review highlights the book's unique approach to teaching quantum mechanics, starting with state vectors and operators, which sets a solid foundation for understanding more complex concepts like entanglement and time-evolution. The reviewer appreciates the clarity and depth of the explanations, making it accessible yet rigorous. They also mention that the book's engaging style makes it enjoyable to read, even for those who find quantum mechanics challenging.

Quick quotes

    The book begins with explaining state vectors and operators, the bra-ket notation, then moves on to measurements, entanglement and time-evolution.

    It is a very good book, but it is not a book for beginners.

    The book is very well written and the explanations are clear and precise.

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