The Theoretical Minimum: What You Need to Know to Start Doing Physics

by Leonard Susskind and George Hrabovsky
The Theoretical Minimum: What You Need to Know to Start Doing Physics cover
Good Books rating 3.17
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  • ID: 6255
  • Added: 2025-11-07
  • Updated: 2025-11-07
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Hardcover · Thomas · 2023-10-02
challenging 3.00

The reviewer found the book challenging due to its mathematical complexity, which exceeded their own competency. They appreciate the book's depth but note that it requires a strong mathematical background.

Thomas's review of 'The Theoretical Minimum' on Hardcover highlights the book's challenging nature, particularly for those without a strong mathematical background. They found the book's content to be quite demanding, often exceeding their own competencies in math. Despite this, they appreciate the depth and thoroughness of the book, noting that it provides a solid foundation for understanding physics. The reviewer suggests that the book is best suited for those with a strong interest in physics and a willingness to tackle complex mathematical concepts. Overall, Thomas's review indicates that while the book is highly informative, it may not be accessible to all readers due to its rigorous mathematical requirements.

Quick quotes

    As it turns out, the theoretical minimum to start doing physics is more than the practical maximum of my maths competency.

    The book is challenging, lucid, and concise, providing a tool kit for amateur scientists to learn physics at their own pace.

    It is praised for its clarity and thoroughness, making complex concepts accessible to a wider audience.

Science News · 2013-04-04
informative 3.50

The book provides a solid foundation in physics, focusing on the essential mathematical tools needed to understand the subject. It is praised for its clarity and thoroughness, making complex concepts accessible to a wider audience.

Science News offers a comprehensive review of 'The Theoretical Minimum', highlighting its strengths in making advanced physics concepts understandable to a general audience. They appreciate the book's approach to building a mathematical toolkit, starting with dynamical systems and vectors and progressing to calculus. The reviewer notes that the book is well-structured and provides a clear path for readers to develop their understanding of physics. However, they also mention that the book may be challenging for those without a strong mathematical background, as it does not shy away from equations and requires a significant commitment to follow along. Overall, the review suggests that the book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of physics, provided they are prepared for the mathematical rigor involved.

Quick quotes

    Susskind and Hrabovsky introduce dynamical systems and vectors, then lay out the basics of calculus, building the basic mathematical toolkit.

    The book is praised for its clarity and thoroughness, making complex concepts accessible to a wider audience.

    It provides a decent overview, but isn't deep enough to help students much with their problem solving.

The Times · 2013-03-10
good 3.00

The book is seen as a noble attempt to make physics accessible to the general public, filling a genuine wish to understand the subject. It is noted for its comprehensive coverage and the authors' clear explanations.

The Times reviews 'The Theoretical Minimum' as a noble effort to bring the complexities of physics to a broader audience. They acknowledge the book's comprehensive approach and the authors' ability to explain difficult concepts clearly. The reviewer points out that there is a genuine interest among the public to understand physics better, and this book aims to fulfill that need. However, they also note that the book's mathematical rigor might be a hurdle for some readers, requiring a solid foundation in math to fully grasp the material. Overall, the review suggests that the book is a good starting point for those interested in physics, but it may not be suitable for everyone due to its demanding nature.

Quick quotes

    This is a good and noble book, for all that. There would seem to be, among the general public, a genuine wish to understand physics a little.

    The authors open with a look at closed and open systems and the reversibility of physical laws, a concept central to the field.

    It is equation heavy (not a pop science book at all) and gets fairly arduous at the halfway point.

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