Reviews (37)

Awful
A nightmare...The prose is both laconic and imprecise - a combination that spells very poor readability. The book assumes too much knowledge for an undergraduate text: in order not to get confused you'd have to be comfortable with QM including Dirac notation, Hamiltonian mechanics, results from e&m in matter, atomic physics, and a good deal of thermal and statistical physics. It's actually worse than that, because the book simply uses results or assumes familiarity with some technique without stating so much as "it is well-known from X..."
Poorly written, lack of examples
Well, the negative reviews were correct.My solid state course has, unfortunately, decided to go with the Kittel 'standard' text, 8th edition.This book is difficult to learn from - largely because there is a severe shortage of quality examples and the material is not well explained throughout.
An excellent text, don't believe the bad reviews!
Solid state physics is a difficult subject because it requires a knowledge of quantum mechanics and electrodynamics as applied to condensed matter systems.Of course, it's also necessary to understand classical mechanics for many of the argurments used in say, lattice vibrations and whatnot.Unfortunately, there is no easy way in.All the other introductory solid state books that don't use any mathematics, or minimize its use, do a very poor job of really describing sold state phenomena.
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Subjects:  1. Physics    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Solid State Physics    5. Science / Physics   

Reviews (1)

A "MUST HAVE" for any Botanical Art Enthusiast or Artist
This book, illustrated by Marilena Pistoia, is an invaluable addition to the library of botanical artists or lovers of botanical art. There are 110 paintings depicting 400 plants, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices...all beautifully painted and reproduced. Some of the fruits are so realistic they almost make your mouth water. Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Food crops    3. Life Sciences - Botany    4. Pictorial works    5. Plants, Edible    6. Science    7. Non-Classifiable    8. Sale Books   

Reviews (9)

Nontechnical Guide to Petroleum Geology, Exploration, Drilling and Production (2nd Edition)
I am a new Environmental Planner to the oil and gas industry, this book has been an integral part of my learning process. Easy to read and quite thorough- I am very satisfied and haven't found the need for another book.

Easy as pie.
The nontechnical guide arrived in the mail in the speedy fashion typical of Amazon.I ripped into the packaging, withdrawing my hardbound book on Petroleum knowledge.I quicklyflew threw the pages of the book, noting how the information was presented.Well organized according to subject, ie Geology, exploration, Drilling and Production,each one of these areas of the oil industry was explained in simple, easy to understand language, and would allow this book to be used as a class room text.There were many pictures, diagrams and drawn out explanations about the subject being explained.The material presented information in a specific area and in a manner that was easy to absorb, find again and use.
Very informative book - a must have for the Petroleum industry
We purchased this book to supplement some internal training for our company. It is the most comprehensive book on the subject that I have found, and we did a lot of research. We will be using it for a pre-requisite to a geology course for all of our new employees.
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Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - Geology    2. Engineering - General    3. Geology    4. Petroleum    5. Petroleum engineering    6. Prospecting    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Petroleum geology   

Reviews (8)

Mediocre, at best
So what if UCLA uses this as their primary freshman text? UCSD (where I go), MIT, and other schools use it too, and every student I've met agrees that this book is sub-par. It isn't as clear as it can be, is bereft of example problems that apply to the homework, has at least a few mistakes per chapter in the solutions manual, spends way too much time deriving some (useless) things more applicable to physical chemisty, etc.

Great!
I got the order sooner than i expected and it was in exactly the condition they said it was in.I am very pleased with my order.

Confusion
Book layout is overly confusing. Text is sometimes not as clear as can be and needs more practice examples (most apparent in sections like isomers and titrations). Yes like one person said before, UCLA does use this text to teach Life science majors, but there are better choices. There are numerous mistakes in the solution guides still, and Zumdahl's "Chemical Principles" is a much better read in my opinion. I actually used it to clear up points this text was muddy on. Your mileage may vary. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry    2. Chemistry - General    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Science / Chemistry / General   

Subjects:  1. Cognitive Psychology    2. Language    3. Language Arts & Disciplines    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Linguistics    6. Reference    7. Language & Linguistics    8. Language Arts & Disciplines / Linguistics   

Reviews (3)

concept Physical Science
I can't seem to find the area to post recommendations for the company I bought this book form. Mindspring.com. They were very prompt in mailing this book to me. My child has started using it yet, but the promptness of the delivery was very important to me. Thanks

A good book
hello i love the book because it explains you alot of things and it helps you to understand.it is a good book because with the pictures you understand better the lesson an this book has a lot of pictures

A good book
hello i love the book because it explains you alot of things and it helps you to understand.it is a good book because with the pictures you understand better the lesson an this book has a lot of pictures ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Physical sciences    2. Physics    3. Science    4. Science (General)    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Science / Physics    7. Science: General Issues    8. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (33)

For better or worse, this is the standard text.
I should mention, first of all, that I'm a mathematician and not a physicist.As such, I'm mostly interested in the formalism and mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics and, while Sakurai's treatement of the physics is superb, the treatment of the mathematics is not.The notation is horrific, and the derivations of the important results are not always completely clear.I, of course, do not expect this to be a book on mathematics (there are some books out there that try not to sacrifice any mathematical rigor at all, and this detracts from the physics so much that those books are rendered useless), but there is a balance that can be struck out, and this book doesn't achieve it.
Should be part of any physicist's collection
This a sound book on quantum mechancs (QM) at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level, depending on how much material is covered.Sakurai' book gets to the point, and is less wordy than the Cohen-Tannoudji, Diu and Laloe QM text Vol 1 and Vol 2.However, there are sections of Cohen-Tannoudji et al that are superior to Sakurai and conversely.A graduate student would be best of owning Sakurai AND Cohen-Tannoudji et al AND the Schaum's outline on QM.Fixing the errors in the Schaum's outline is very good for preparing for qualifying exams.Lastly, grad students should own "Problems and Solutions on Quantum Mechanics" ISBN 9810232324 paperback.This is the book used by Chinese students before they come to America; it contains hundreds of qualifying exam questions and solutions taken from the Ph.D. qualifying exams of America's finest physics graduate schools.
Overrated
Pretending to be rigurous, this book doesn't even mention Hilbert Spaces, Riesz Lemma, The Spectral Theorem... all of which are key to the formalism of Quantum Mechanics. Many decades have passed since the serious development of the mathematical tools (non-existent by the time Dirac published his book) needed for QM was made. This book totally snubs mathematics (as many physicists still do).
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Subjects:  1. Physics    2. Quantum Mechanics    3. Quantum Theory    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Quantum physics (quantum mechanics)    7. Science / Physics   

Reviews (9)

Finite Mathematics for Business Economics, Life Sciences and Social Sciences (10th Edition)
They sent me the wrong book. I ordered theFinite Mathematics for Business Economics, Life Sciences and Social Sciences (10th Edition)by Raymond A. Barnett and received the solution manual. I feel very disapointed with this purchase.
NOT USER FRIENDLY!
I am using this textbook for my Math for Business and Economics class and it is terrible.This book is not written taking into consideration the audience "Business Majors". Concepts are better explained in the Chapter review than under the sections they are being presented.There is only 1 example for each new concept and definitions are written using one or two definitions of new concepts within it.If this book is intended to take the student from the abstract concept to the real world it sure doesn't do this.I understood the material better in my Intermediate Algebra class than I do now.

Sound choice for a finite math textbook
This is a very sound choice as a textbook for a course in finite mathematics. The coverage is appropriate, the level suitable for the non-math major, the explanations are excellent and the authors take the title seriously. Read more

Subjects:  1. Biomathematics    2. Finite Mathematics    3. General    4. Linear Programming    5. Mathematics    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Social sciences    8. Statistics    9. Applied mathematics    10. Mathematics / General   

Editorial Review

Working in his garden one day, Michael Pollan hit pay dirt in the form of an idea: do plants, he wondered, use humans as much as we use them? While the question is not entirely original, the way Pollan examines this complex coevolution by looking at the natural world from the perspective of plants is unique. The result is a fascinating and engaging look at the true nature of domestication.Read more

Reviews (125)

Readable copy and interesting hypothesis.
A long book on botany if you are up to it. For a more compact and lively study try The Story of the Apple.

An engaging piece of practical history

A Three Hundred Page Sleeping Pill
I was given three months to read this book, and each time I picked it up I threw it down in disgust.Between the none-stop Johnny Appleseed referances to the Collegian's Guide to Growing Pot, it is amazing I got through it.I am convinced he was once a Columbian drug lord. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ecology    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. History    4. Human-plant relationships    5. Life Sciences - Botany    6. Nature    7. Plants    8. Plants - General    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Nature / Plants   

Subjects:  1. Life Sciences - Biology - General    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Biology, Life Sciences    5. Science / Biology   

Editorial Review

This is the standard text for introductory advanced undergraduate and first-year graduate level courses in signal processing. The text gives a coherent and exhaustive treatment of discrete-time linear systems, sampling, filtering and filter design, reconstruction, the discrete-time Fourier and z-transforms, Fourier analysis of signals, the fast Fourier transform, and spectral estimation. The author develops the basic theory independently for each of the transform domains and provides illustrative examples throughout to aid the reader. Discussions of applications in the areas of speech processing, consumer electronics, acoustics, radar, geophysical signal processing, and remote sensing help to place the theory in context. The text assumes a background in advanced calculus, including an introduction to complex variables and a basic familiarity with signals and linear systems theory. If you have this background, the book forms an up-to-date and self-contained introduction to discrete-time signal processing that is appropriate for students and researchers. Read more

Reviews (23)

Destined for a standard?
It is my pleasure to comment on this book which I recently purchased. I have two of Dr. Oppenheim's previous books. This book is a core integration of a topic with too many diverse starting points (mine was digital filters derived from Prony's method, not in the book by name). Dr. Bose was my first EE Professor. Alan Oppenheim was my second EE instructor. Alan (just finished MSEE at the time) had not published a book yet, but his focus was always on your questions. His product was your understanding. If this book is for your shelf, it will not harm it. If this topic is for your mind, this book was meticulously written for you.Lance Webb, PhDEE

Six star book on Digital Signal Processing
This is the outstanding 2nd edition of Oppenheim's classic DSP book, which for over two decades was the only real choice for a textbook on the subject. That was too bad, since the first edition was probably the worst thing I have ever seen in print - terse, incomprehensible, and with only a few awful and poorly illustrated examples. When I decided to take a refresher course in DSP, I was horrified to see our class would be using the second edition of that horrendous text. What I found instead was a completely rehabilitated textbook! This is not a beginner's DSP textbook by any stretch of the imagination, but absolutely everything is explained and there are plenty of well worked out examples. The end-of-chapter problems are broken down into simple, intermediate, and advanced problems with quite a few mind-puzzlers in the advanced section. Plus, the answers to the first 20 problems in every chapter are in the back of the book.
Good book from initial reading
I haven't gone through this book all the way yet since classes haven't started; however, it seems to be a very well written book that is easy to get the necessary concepts out of easily.Once the class is done I will try to add a further review. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Discrete Mathematics (Computer Science)    2. Discrete-time systems    3. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic    4. General    5. Mathematics    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Signal Processing    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Telecommunications    11. Electrical engineering    12. Electronics engineering    13. Mathematical theory of computation    14. Technology / Engineering / Electrical   

Reviews (11)

Superficial, dull and uninteresting.
As mentioned by other reviewers, this book drones endlessly about the details of experiments that first-year undergraduates are unlikely to appreciate to any degree. From my own research experience, I understand very well that every bit of scientific knowledge comes as the result of weeks, months or years of effort, but focusing so much on that in an introductory textbook means that a great many important details are sacrificed in the process- and details are important. It's been a year and a half since I've used the book and the only reason I learned anything about biology during that time was because I read other books, especially Campbell's. Freeman's book might do well enough for non-majors, but it is horrible for use with biology or chemistry majors. There is very little substance here and it does not pose a challenge. If you've used it and think otherwise, I encourage you to examine Campbell's book, as it is the current standard in the field, but almost any other will do. On top of that, I noted over 100 typos/misprints/mislabeled captions in the first half alone, and there is little that annoys me more than $120 books that slipped through the editorial cracks a few dozen times. This text does not live up to expectations.

student
This book is definitely worth the money.I am the type of person who learns better from reading than listening to (mostly) boring lectures.For that type of person this book is perfect.It is one of the best science books I've ever used.
too much focus on experiments that certain details are not explained as well.
After acing Introductory Bio the previous year with Campbell & Reece's Biology, I returned this year as an undergrad TA for the same class. The professor had switched to this book, which is by far just a piece of crap next to the Campbell & Reece book.
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Subjects:  1. Biology    2. Life Sciences - Biology - General    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Biology, Life Sciences    6. Science / Biology   

Reviews (50)

Another Algebra-Based Physics Textbook!
I have taken three straight years of Physics in highschool.I took it sophomore, junior, and now senior year.Each year, I used a different book.I was given this book for AP Physics B (Junior Year), an algebra-based Advanced Placement Physics course.
Fairly good
I have taught undergrad intro courses to physics using various editions of Giancoli's text.It is well written, and gets to the point concisely.Students find the examples useful, and the homework problems are well balanced.As always, though, I recommend that the student supplement this book with the Schaum's outline book of college physics.I recommend this Schaum's to supplement ALL/ANY intro college physics text, as it contains many worked out sample problems, which the student should try to solve before looking up the answer.
A student's perspective
As one reviewer stated before me, these books are the reason why people are afraid of physics.
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Subjects:  1. Physics    2. Physics (General)    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Science / Physics   

Reviews (2)

FTIR Bible
This is a great reference for anyone designing or using FTIR instruments.This book is really intended for the advanced users and is worth the price.The only major drawback is that it is getting a little dated. The Classic Reference on FTIR
This book is the Bible of FTIR, written by the twin gods of FTIR,Griffiths and DeHaseth.It contains as complete an introduction to thetheory and practice of this field as is available.Anyone who wants adetailed understanding of this field, and in particular how FTIRs work,should own this book.However...there are 2 reasons why I gave the book4 stars instead of 5.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Analytic    2. Fourier transform infrared spe    3. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy    4. Physics    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Spectrochemistry    8. Chemical spectroscopy, spectrochemistry    9. Science / Chemistry / Analytic   

Reviews (20)

this is a darn good book
So I must admit that this is the book my favorite professor in college used.I also must admit that my favorite professor in college was Skip Wade the author.That said, this is a *very* good book if you're looking to understand the concepts behind orgo.Yes, there's memorizing (for goodness sakes, make flashcards!You can't get around this!).Yes, it's a pain.Yes, you'll find yourself doing 'back attacks' in your sleep.But in the end, this book will beat into you the intuition necessary to continue on in chemistry.And, as an added bonus, Wade throws in some little jokes to give you relief during those all night study sessions.Ah, memories...
organic chemistry
the book is pretty good and thorough.i just wish i didnt have to take the class.

Organic Chem
I purchased the incorrect item and had to return the item but had no problems with Amazon refunding my purchase amount.
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Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Organic    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Science / Chemistry / Organic   

Reviews (5)

It's amazing what reading a good textbook actually feels like!
Let's be blunt: most science textbooks, especially at the introductory level, are terrible these days. They're filled with fluff, poorly formatted, have examples that don't explain the exercises at all (I shake my fist menacingly at Tipler), and above all, just don't teach the material very well. It's clear the authors understand it (usually), but it's also clear they just don't get how to convey it people who... well... don't.
Great book
I thourougly enjoyed the book, however I would have liked twice as many worked example exercises in the book.

one of the best
This book explains basic chemistry concepts very well. The chapter on entropy is great. The sequence of the topics covered is generally traditional. I like the idea that the chapter on solutions is placed after the basic concept of equilibrium is covered. Some organic chemistry is integrated into the text. I personally believe that the concepts of acid and base should be extended a little to prepare students for organic chemistry. This book has more pages (~1200 pages) than most other general chemistry textbook available (~1000 pages). I wish the publisher could have it available in two volumes so that it is easier for students to carry around and read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry    2. Chemistry - General    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (9)

not an easy book, lots of examples, lots of problems
I've only read the first four chapters of this book so far, but overall, I am enjoying the book. In order to give a sense of how difficult the book is (or perhaps how slow I am in picking up the material) - it sometimes takes me a full hour just to read 3 pages. Furthermore, sometimes, I have had to put the book down and reread the pages another day to be able to comprehend the material. This is with a goal of really trying to understand each page. My math background includes classes in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Introductory Differential Equations. Each chapter has three sets of problems: chapter problems, theoretical problems, and self-test problems. The self-test problems have concise solutions that also can take a some time to understand. There are also a few typos here and there - not that many though. I would recommend this book only to those who are highly disciplined and persistent with studying math. I would also recommend finding a person knowledged in Probability for questions you'll definitely have. For me, I've had to also do a lot of the problems to really understand the material. Lastly, this book has been my first introduction to probability.

Worst Probability Textbook I have ever seen
I am a mathematics and statistics double major and this is by far the worst and most confusing textbook I have ever used in my whole career.There is an excessive amount of example problems and the way the textbook solves the problems is highly confusing.It doesn't fully explain how they got the answer, but just states it.It is confusing, long, boring, and unhelpful.If you are looking for a good probability book, stay away from this one.

Helpful, moreso than my first text.
This text is much more illustrative and example laden than many earlier texts (i.e. Jayne's Probability) that I have use in the past.
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Subjects:  1. Mathematics    2. Probabilities    3. Probability & Statistics - General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Textbooks    6. Mathematics / Statistics    7. Probability & statistics   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Mathematics    4. Probability & Statistics - General    5. Statistics    6. Textbooks    7. Mathematics / Statistics    8. Probability & statistics   

Reviews (3)

What I Expected
I got exactly what I payed for.I got a brand new book, still in the shrinkwrap, and at a dicounted price.I strongly recommend using this seller.

Kotz is one of the best
I own three general chemistry textbooks, and have studied from dozens.
Finally!!! Chemistry Made Easy!!!
This is the most comprehensive lecture book published.Considering this is a college level text, it is very easy to understand - easy enough for high school students.The authors ease their way, not jump around, into every topic.Also, all examples (including mathematical expressions and equations) are explained in easy, step-by-step format.
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Subjects:  1. Chemistry - General    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Chemistry    5. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (28)

Read The other 1 star reviews
This book is a disorganized, sloppy and ridiculous attempt to explain statistics in layman's terms.
Wow.....just bad.
I'm an older, returning student and have seen my fair share of textbooks over the years. This is the first one that has been so bad that I feel the need to warn others. It is so bad that specifics are not even worth noting. If you are required to buy this book for a class, consider buying another to supplement it, get a tutor, or take Statistics at another school that doesn't require this book....seriously.

Poorly written
This is the worst textbook I have ever had to use. I had to buy another text on statistics so I could understand what this book was trying to get across. Be aware that the text is not enough. You will have to use the CD with the excel and TI-83 explanations (yes the book is that outdated that it still refers to a TI-83). This CD is several hundred more pages long. It also comes with another set of CD's that you will also need to use in order to navigate through the mess that this author created. It all boils down to an extremely bad textbook with a ton of added material that attempts to clear up the mess. It doesn't work. If you must use this text for a class you should look into purchasing another text to help you or hiring a tutor. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mathematics    2. Probability & Statistics - General    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Mathematics / Statistics    5. Probability & statistics