Written by noted quantum computing theorist Scott Aaronson, this book takes readers on a tour through some of the deepest ideas of maths, computer science and physics. Full of insights, arguments and philosophical perspectives, the book covers an amazing array of topics. Beginning in antiquity with Democritus, it progresses through logic and set theory, computability and complexity theory, quantum computing, cryptography, the information content of quantum states and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. There are also extended discussions about time travel, Newcomb's Paradox, the anthropic principle and the views of Roger Penrose. Aaronson's informal style makes this fascinating book accessible to readers with scientific backgrounds, as well as students and researchers working in physics, computer science, mathematics and philosophy.

"The standard work in the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, indispensable both to the advanced student and to the mature research worker, who will always find it a fresh source of knowledge and stimulation." --Nature
"This is the classic text on quantum mechanics. No graduate student of quantum theory should leave it unread"--W.C Schieve, University of Texas

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.