The Feynman Lectures on Physics

[iamaelephant]

Does anyone own these books? I'm considering buying them, not as a text book but a general reference for myself. Are they worth buying? They are quite expensive (looking at about $300 USD). Also, which edition am I best off getting? It looks to me like the Definitive and Extended Edition (Hard Cover) is the way to go. Any thought on these books?

You'll probably need to know my background to make the assessment. Well as it is I have a very strong interest in physics but with a limited background. I have gone as far as finishing high school physics and I plan to study physics at university starting next year. I love the subject and plan to make a career around it. I mostly want these books as a general interest/reference and don't intend to use them as a text book at uni. I love Feynman's writing (QED is one of my favourite books) so these ones really stuck out for me.

Also, has anyone here read Roger Penrose's The Road to Reality? How difficult is that book for someone at my level of understanding?

 

[Heisenberg]

The Feynman Lectures are an excellent set of books to get. If you're interested in physics they're definitely worth it.

 

[iamaelephant]

Oh I have another question, although I doubt anyone here can help. Has anyone here ever ordered anything from Amazon.com and had it shipped to New Zealand? How much does the postage cost, how long does it take and do I have to pay GST when it arrives? I'm looking at ordering the Feynman books, possibly the Roger Penrose book and a couple of CDs so the package will be quite heavy (roughly 15 pounds, or around 7kg for those of us not living in the stone age).

 

[OdiN]

Does it say whether or not the plane takes off?

 

[RGN]

Hey the stone age works for me. I can't answer on the shipping, but I will 2nd Heisenburg on the Feynman Lectures, they are excellent!

 

[iamaelephant]

Originally posted by: OdiN
Does it say whether or not the plane takes off?

Why do you think I'm buying it?

 

[WildHorse]

I tried to read The Feynman Lectures on Physics, where he starts off talking about light reflecting & refracting through glass.

Instead of buying, why don't you check them out free from your local library? That's where I got them.

 

[eelw]

PDFs and MP3s FTW!!!

 

[Eugechi]

Your local library should have a copy or two. If not and you don't feel like shelling out money, there probably is a way to obtain them illegally online. (I believe I saw something of this nature a long time ago, but it exists.. not that I am suggesting you do that)

 

[iamaelephant]

My library, although normally very good, doesn't carry these particular books. I have no interest in piracy thanks.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: OdiN
Does it say whether or not the plane takes off?

LOFL.

10/10


GIVE THAT MAN THE FVKING PRIZE ALREADY:laugh:






...oh, and I've heard good thigns about those lectures OP

 

[iamaelephant]

Well I just bit the bullet and bought the books. Man it's been a big day for online shopping for me - bought The Feynman Lectures and also decided to go for The Road to Reality even though it's probably too advanced for me at this point, and also bought a media center keyboard, mouse and remote, a new game (TOCA 3) and a CD (Beautiful Creatures - Deuce). Wallet feels somewhat empty

 

[The Stigenator]

if you ever have to read a funny book... read "Surely you must be joking mr. feynman" by richard feynman.. its a incredibly funny book and its one of my favorites.

 

[edro]

They are a good series of books, but be careful. They are good for a general overview of physics, but they are ancient compared to many modern physics theories.

 

[badmouse]

Originally posted by: edro
They are a good series of books, but be careful. They are good for a general overview of physics, but they are ancient compared to many modern physics theories.

They may be ancient, but you'll find it much easier to understand contemporary physics if you get the background. This is what the current physics stars used as their starting place.