Understanding the physics of heavy quarks gives physicists the unique opportunity to test the predictions of Quantum Chromodynamics and the Standard Model. First published in 2000, this introductory text on this exciting area of high-energy physics begins with a review of the standard model, followed by the basics of heavy quark spin-flavor symmetry and how it can be applied to the classification of states, decays and fragmentation. Heavy quark effective theory is then developed and applied to the study of hadron masses, form factors, and inclusive decay rates. The authors also discuss the application of chiral perturbation theory to heavy hadrons. Written by two world leading experts, the presentation is clear and original, with problems provided at the end of each chapter. This lucid volume provides graduate students with an ideal introduction to the physics of heavy quarks, and more experienced researchers with an authoritative reference to the subject.

从本书中学到物理大师做学问的方法。对称性是粒子物理的精髓，可以学到李先生如何从对称性原理出发，研究粒子物理的各种模型；如何利用量纲分析，数量级估计的方法来演绎物理定律和定理。从这本书中，还可以学到李先生是如何将理论物理和实验物理有机地结合起来。众所周知，李先生是实验与理论结合的典范，许多实验物理学家都愿意与李先生讨论他们在实验中遇到的问题，许多高能实验都是由李先生建议做的，包括美国布鲁克（Brookhaven）实验的大项目相对论重离子对撞机（RHIC）的建造等。这本书陈述的物理大多数都是在第二次世界大战时期发展起来的，李先生创建，或参与，或目睹了整个过程。因此，他对这些理论的解读和理解肯定有其独创之处，经过了他的思维而写下了教科书将是人类宝贵的财富。