Quantum Untangling: An Intuitive Approach to Quantum Mechanics from Einstein to Higgs

Having read many popular science books, and struggled with the subject of quantum mechanics, I am so happy to have found this. It describes quantum stuff alongside the mathematics. in a good clear way, that keeps the reader engaged. It has allowed me to take the next step forwards. It also has fun snippets, which are important when studying this subject. I have not got through all the advanced stuff yet, but what I have read so far already more than justifies the buy and I intend to keep going. I highly recommend it as long as you are up for some maths. I am hoping that the author may consider next a book on general relativity.

I have really enjoyed the book. I have studied quantum mechanics, but still learned much. Well written. Good models. Helpful illustrations. I was particularly impressed by the later modules where the author covers really advanced material such as the strong and weak forces, and even the Higgs mechanism. This book is perfect for anybody who wants to get a good grasp of the fundamentals, as well as someone wanting to move on to more advanced topics. I am happy to recommend it.

This is great book and I highly recommend it . However, module 4 needs a rewrite.

Attempts to explain quantum field theory at about UK "A Level" maths level. Hard to follow the arguments - even though he has done a lot to simplify. However I learnt enough to follow his reasoning for the electromagnetic field, and strong force and their associated symmetries,. One can then see why the weak force is so odd. All the differences come down to how mass is treated. Once we add in a field for mass for all the fields then they all have the same underlying structure (with different symmetry's). So need a mass field - with an associated particle (Higgs boson). Well worth the effort - finally "got it" even though I had to skip over much of the details of the maths.

An excellent way to learn about quantum theory. Good clear explanations.

For someone like me, with A-level + maths, wanting to get a sound understanding of quantum mechanics, this is an ideal book. Very clear exposition, both conceptually and mathematically, and I think superior to Leonard Susskind's "Theoretical Minimum..." (Penguin), good though that is in many ways. It also covers a much wider canvas than quantum specifics. Strongly recommended.

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A remarkable book in its clarity and scope. It is a beautifully written introduction into theoretical physics. Its scope is ambitious, covering relativity, quantum field theory, particle physics, Feynman diagrams and even the Higgs mechanism. Physics describes the universe with maths, and you can’t describe its findings properly without it. Unlike most popular science books, this takes a delightfully unabashed approach to presenting the maths. This is done with such great care and clarity that the reader is never out of his/her depth. It bridges the gap between popular science books and a university textbook. I wish I had this book when I started studying physics.

English : As the author suggests, this work is halfway between a popular work and a technical work. It is very pleasant to see that this type of literature is booming (Sussking's series of books and videos, Caroll's latest book "The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Space, Time, and Motion" or even the non-nonsence of Schwichtenberg for example). It will typically suit the informed reader who has benefited from physics and mathematics courses in the past but whose career path has removed them from the world of physics. Typically this type of reader is not satisfied by popular works but also does not wish to delve into technical treatises where the fundamental principles are often unfortunately buried among multiple technical details which interest them little. This work may also be useful for a physics student who wishes above all to focus on the fundamental principles (principles which are unfortunately sometimes obscured by overly complicated language or formalism). I have not yet read the entire work but I am particularly surprised by its clarity and quality of the explanations proposed, particularly of mathematical notions which are unfortunately often unexplained (I am thinking, for example, of the Fourier transform). I am also surprised by the background of the author who apparently does not seem to be a professional physicist unlike the authors mentioned above. This person, however, seems to know physics very well and his ability to explain things is much superior to many physics teachers that I have had in the past in my studies (excessive mathematical formalism). Congrats to him! I hope that he will continue to write other works in the future (Einstein's relativity for example). The aim of the work is quantum field theory. The first chapters cover the essential elements of special relativity and quantum mechanics to approach this theory. Quantum field theory has a reputation for being a very complex theory. The fault lies in a very elaborate mathematical formalism. In my opinion, reading this type of work is essential before delving into other more technical university works. In summary: very nice work written by a passionate and enlightened author Français: Comme le propose l'auteur, cet ouvrage est à mis chemin entre un ouvrage de vulgarisation et un ouvrage technique. Il est très plaisant de voir que ce type de littérature est en plein essor (série de livres et vidéos de Sussking, dernier livre de Caroll "The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Space, Time, and Motion" ou encore les no-nonsence de Schwichtenberg par exemple). Il conviendra typiquement au lecteur averti ayant dans le passé bénéficié de cours de physique et de mathématique mais dont le parcours l'a écarté du monde de la physique. Typiquement ce genre de lecteur n'est pas satisfait par les ouvrages de vulgarisation mais ne désire pas non plus se plonger dans des traités techniques où les principes fondamentaux sont souvent malheureusement noyés parmi de multiples détails techniques qui l'intéresse peu. Cet ouvrage pourra également être utile pour un étudiant en physique qui désire avant tout se focaliser sur les principes fondamentaux (principes qui sont malheureusement parfois obscurci par un langage ou formalisme trop compliqué). Je n'ai pas encore lu l'entièreté de l'ouvrage mais je sais particulièrement étonné par sa clarté et qualités des explications proposées notamment des notions mathématiques qui sont malheureusement souvent non expliquées (je pense par exemple à la transformée de Fourier). Je suis également étonné par le parcours de l'auteur qui apparemment ne semble pas être un physicien professionnel à l'inverse des auteurs mentionnés ci-dessus. Cette personne cependant semble très bien connaitre la physique et sa capacité à expliquer les choses est bien supérieure à de nombreux professeurs de physique que j'ai eu dans le passé dans mes études (formalisme mathématique excessif). Bravo à lui ! J'espère qu'il continuera à écrire d'autres ouvrages dans le futur (relativité d'Einstein par exemple). La finalité de l'ouvrage est la théorie quantique des champs. Les premiers chapitres traitent des éléments essentiels de la relativité restreinte et de la mécanique quantique pour aborder cette théorie. La théorie quantique des champs a la réputation d'être une théorie très complexe. La faute à un formalisme mathématique très élaboré. A mon avis la lecture de ce genre d'ouvrage est indispensable avant de plonger dans d'autres ouvrages plus techniques universitaires. En résumé : très bel ouvrage écrit par un passionné de la physique

Finally a book that bridges the gap between popular science and textbooks. It's written in the style of popular science: clear, well explained, and actually very entertaining. But the author also manages to weave in mathematics (and explain it line by line). The first module on the basics is reason enough to purchase the book. Some of the best descriptions I have come across anywhere. I already was familiar with many of the topics such as wave-particle duality and superposition. Now I understand the maths that goes with it. I also like the more advanced modules, especially the chapter on the Dirac equation which was a mystery to me. Highly recommended!

Really enjoying Quantum Untangling. It has untangled a lot of stuff for me. The math isn’t too advanced and is explained step by step. You need to be comfortable with the basics like differentiation, but my rusty maths is enough. Loving the illustrations and clear common sense explanations. If like me, you really want to get to grips with this quantum stuff, then this book is an excellent way to study and learn. Excellent weekend read, and built confidence in my math stills!

The book is divided into four modules. The first three modules cover special relativity, basic QM, and complex QM and take up a little more than one-half of the book. These first three modules contain some of the best explanations of the material I have read anywhere. The writing is clear and insightful. Then comes the fourth and final module on QFT. The style in this part of the book is completely different. The explanations are vague or disappear completely. The writing in this final module is some of the most ambiguous and confusing I have ever read.

Perfect