In this text, the author constructs the mathematical apparatus of classical mechanics from the beginning, examining all the basic problems in dynamics, including the theory of oscillations, the theory of rigid body motion, and the Hamiltonian formalism. This modern approch, based on the theory of the geometry of manifolds, distinguishes iteself from the traditional approach of standard textbooks. Geometrical considerations are emphasized throughout and include phase spaces and flows, vector fields, and Lie groups. The work includes a detailed discussion of qualitative methods of the theory of dynamical systems and of asymptotic methods like perturbation techniques, averaging, and adiabatic invariance.

Reviews from the First Edition: 'An excellent text? The postulates of quantum mechanics and the mathematical underpinnings are discussed in a clear, succinct manner' - ("American Scientist"). 'No matter how gently one introduces students to the concept of Dirac's bras and kets, many are turned off. Shankar attacks the problem head-on in the first chapter, and in a very informal style suggests that there is nothing to be frightened of' - ("Physics Bulletin").Reviews of the Second Edition: 'This massive text of 700 and odd pages has indeed an excellent get-up, is very verbal and expressive, and has extensively worked out calculational details - all just right for a first course. The style is conversational, more like a corridor talk or lecture notes, though arranged as a text. It would be particularly useful to beginning students and those in allied areas like quantum chemistry' - ("Mathematical Reviews").R. Shankar has introduced major additions and updated key presentations in this second edition of "Principles of Quantum Mechanics". New features of this innovative text include an entirely rewritten mathematical introduction, a discussion of Time-reversal invariance, and extensive coverage of a variety of path integrals and their applications. Additional highlights include: clear, accessible treatment of underlying mathematics; a review of Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian mechanics; student understanding of quantum theory is enhanced by separate treatment of mathematical theorems and physical postulates; and, unsurpassed coverage of path integrals and their relevance in contemporary physics.The requisite text for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students, "Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Second Edition" is fully referenced and is supported by many exercises and solutions. The book's self-contained chapters also make it suitable for independent study as well as for courses in applied disciplines.

In the years since it was first published in 1973 by McGraw-Hill, this classic introductory textbook has established itself as one of the best-known and most highly regarded descriptions of Newtonian mechanics. Intended for undergraduate students with foundation skills in mathematics and a deep interest in physics, it systematically lays out the principles of mechanics: vectors, Newton's laws, momentum, energy, rotational motion, angular momentum and noninertial systems, and includes chapters on central force motion, the harmonic oscillator, and relativity. Numerous worked examples demonstrate how the principles can be applied to a wide range of physical situations, and more than 600 figures illustrate methods for approaching physical problems. The book also contains over 200 challenging problems to help the student develop a strong understanding of the subject. Password-protected solutions are available for instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521198219.