The Feynman Lectures on Physics, boxed set: The New Millennium Edition

The three volume set makes each individual volume easy to carry around without having to schlepp the extra burden of the other two volumes. The binding and print is excellent and should last an academic lifetime. Although this was compiled as a series of lectures for beginning undergraduate students, it is greatly more detailed and mathematically inclined then pretty much any standard currently used undergraduate general physics textbook-and contains many details that I only encountered as a graduate student in physics or in upper division undergraduate classes such as the 2-semester course purely in E&M. This should be mandatory reading for every graduate student as a way of consolidating their knowledge, but will be a bit overwhelming for all but the most advanced undergraduate students who only are doing a 2-semester physics course to satisfy graduation requirements. One thing that is consistent is the sheer clarity of writing-which is done in a thoroughly engaging fashion that encourages the reader to keep on reading. Feynman was an unparalleled educator with a gift of simplifying the complex. It is true that the material was compiled well over 50 years ago, and will not include the latest developments especially in quantum mechanics. But the quantum mechanics that are represented are still fresh and applicable. Just do not expect to read about the Higgs Particle.

Best set of books to learn physics from

These books are among my all-time favorite. When I was studying physics in college my dad was kind enough to lend me his original edition of these books. It’s probably not fair to compare the physical quality to books that are fifty years old, but I would rather read out of these than the original (and not just for the sake of preserving the originals). I like that the pages are moderately glossy, so they’re nice to the touch without being annoying to read from, and the print and diagrams read very well. So far these books seem to be some of the highest quality of any book I own, and they don’t feel like they’ll fall apart any time soon. Unfortunately there seems to be a growing trend of poor quality printings, so I’m not sure whether I got lucky or if other reviewers just got very unlucky. The only thing that was amiss with the books I received was that their box has a small crack on the back, but this sits against the wall and doesn’t affect my ability to enjoy reading these books. It seems like there’s always a bit of a risk in purchasing books these days, but if I can help put a few people at ease about this purchase, then maybe they’ll have as much delight as I do in owning and reading this one-of-a-kind box set. (And if you don’t get something that’s great quality, absolutely try to return it for a replacement, if possible.)

Great to have a copy of these lectures, must have for all those interested in physics

Very good

When deciding to buy The Feynman Lectures on Physics, I was somewhat hesitant. The price tag was somewhat hefty, not to mention the shipping fees. It will take some time to finish them all, but having read what I have, I can honestly say this has been perhaps my best investment so far. Feynman's style is playful as it is witty - the work of true genius. Being an engineer with a passion for physics, I already had quite a bit of familiarity with some of the concepts contained within. Be that as it may, I felt my horizons widen with each turn of the page, and my understanding of things I thought I knew well reached a whole new level. The best part is that, though prior knowledge may certainly facilitate reading speed, it is not required. Anyone who has a thirst for knowledge, or a curious take on life, would benefit greatly from reading this masterpiece. Physics is only a part of it. Feynman teaches, so enjoyably, what science, and in a manner of speaking life itself, is all about.

Beautiful set. A must have for the library if you like physics. Classic!

I have spent more time with the Feynman Lectures on Physics than with any other book or set of volumes on any subject. I am most familiar with the first volume, only because I haven't found the time to spend on the other two. Though there are more exact and rigorous formal treatments of virtual every topic Feynman treats, these are found in more advance texts, and/or scattered through many different books, no other single collection of physics books, that I know of, presents so much material in such a compelling and accessible form at the "introductory" level. I recently purchased the New Millennium Edition, boxed set. The manufacturing quality is, in general, high. The books are solidly and attractively bound. I agree with another reviewer who found the font to be a bit on the light side; and combined with the glossiness of the pages, it is a bit of strain on my aging eyes. (Reading glasses help.) Nonetheless, the electronically formatted text, especially when it comes to the mathematical expressions is truly beautiful. All of the figures have also been converted to electronic format which makes them more crisp and clear. The conversion was a huge undertaking, executed deftly. I am genuinely impressed and grateful to the people who accomplished it. Feynman was great at what he did, loved what he was doing and had fun doing it. That exuberance shines through in these volumes. The new format adds considerably to these invaluable volumes. Good job, Mike, et al.! Thanks!

Best ever!

I approached the decision to purchase this collection with much hesitation. You, the reader of this review are, in all likelihood aware of the fact that another version of this product is available for purchase at a much cheaper price. Yes, this version will dent your wallet considerably more, however it must be said that the overall feel of this version is a great advantage. Bear in mind that there is approximately 1500 pages worth of content, so to have a stable hardcover is indispensible. The cheaper version has a tenuous softcover which will show considerable wear after heavy use. I also love the colour choice for this product and the font is perfect for the content. I also like the feel of the pages with this version. As the proverb says "Don't judge a book by its cover" so, with the aesthetics out of the way let's move on to what lies beneath that magnificent exterior. This is presented in three volumes and in it, Feynman covers a vast plethora of topics. Volumes I and II cover too many topics to discuss in this review. However, Volume II is generally concerned with the concept of Quantum Electrodynamics (or QED) and other concepts within quantum theory. For the most casual of readers, I would recommend "Quantum: A Guide For the Perplexed" by Jim Al-Khalili or "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter" by Richard Feynman for a fundamental understanding of Quantum Theory. Although there are more rigorous and explicit dissections of each of the presented topics in many of Feynman's other works, most of them are scattered across various publications, and in many cases, in more advanced texts designated for the bookshelf of the university student. It is most probable, that in the vast library of physics publications, this collection is unmatched in the presentation of substantial material in such a compelling, comprehensive and accessible manner. These series of lectures, though wonderful, come with an asterisk, a side warning if you will. There are many chapters, which make heavy use of mathematics. It can be quite difficult for someone who has no background in mathematics or physics beyond GCSEs. Even the best of us might struggle through some sections with no loss of self-worth considering one of the finest minds in the history of science devoted two years of hard work into these lectures. In conclusion, this is a must-buy for anyone who is a physics enthusiast. It stands out in an age where information is abundant, but knowledge is scarce, as testament to a great man and an even greater field.

Of all the physics books I own, this one is by far the best. It reads as though you are actually in his class and can hear his voice. While it contains some challenging concepts, it is a relaxing read.

念願のファインマン物理学の英語版を手に入れた。ハードカバーで納得のいく本になっている。じっくり向き合えることだろう

Very nice books