Helliwell and Sahakian Release a Modern Classic

Vatche V. Sahakian and Thomas M. Helliwell have just published Modern Classical Mechanics, a forward-looking text published by Cambridge University Press that shows the deep connections between classical (Lagrangian) mechanics and modern research in theoretical physics.

In this modern and distinctive textbook, Helliwell and Sahakian present classical mechanics as a thriving and contemporary field with strong connections to cutting-edge research topics in physics. Each part of the book concludes with a capstone chapter describing various key topics in quantum mechanics, general relativity, and other areas of modern physics, clearly demonstrating how they relate to advanced classical mechanics, and enabling students to appreciate the central importance of classical mechanics within contemporary fields of research. Numerous and detailed examples are interleaved with theoretical content, illustrating abstract concepts more concretely. Extensive problem sets at the end of each chapter further reinforce students’ understanding of key concepts, and provide opportunities for assessment or self-testing. A detailed online solutions manual and lecture slides accompany the text for instructors. Often a flexible approach is required when teaching advanced classical mechanics, and, to facilitate this, the authors have outlined several paths instructors and students can follow through the book, depending on background knowledge and the length of their course.

From the cover:

“This book is an insightful and modern exposition of classical mechanics. It expertly covers the subject and integrates it into a broader context, revealing connections to the general theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, the theory of complex systems, etc. It will make a great advanced undergraduate textbook, with an extensive selection of problems at the end of each chapter” – Emil Yuzbashyan, Rutgers University

“This is an excellent book that fills a vital gap in the conventional presentation of classical mechanics: it explains clearly the fundamental theory while linking it to diverse applications of current interest – black holes, gauge theory, chaos, and the path to quantum theory.” – Samir Mathur, Ohio State University

“Helliwell and Sahakian redefine the classical mechanics textbook. Ample coverage of classical theory is connected to modern ideas of general relativity and quantum physics throughout the text in the choice of topics and examples. I would have loved this book as a student for its breadth and sophistication.” – Peter Lepage, Cornell University