In this comprehensive book, R. Shankar, a physicist with a pedagogical gift, renowned for his contagious enthusiasm, explains the fundamental principles of mechanics, relativity, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and quantum mechanics in an accessible manner.

The book serves as an ideal introduction for undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, and engineering programs, for advanced high school students, as well as for anyone interested in the developments in the sciences. Readers can also find numerous exercises online, along with a series of exciting lectures by the author based on the content of the book.

“The study of modern Physics with Shankar as a guide becomes an easy task. A book characterized by clarity, humor, and depth.” — David Gross, Nobel Prize winner in Physics, 2004

“Masterfully cultivating the student's abilities in topics of dimensional analysis, symmetry, perception of physical concepts, and rigorous mathematical reasoning, Shankar explains fundamental concepts of Physics once again with clarity and ease.” — Daniel Arovas, University of California, San Diego

“The book captures on paper—and enriches—the experience of being in the classroom watching Shankar explain the concepts. This is precisely how Physics should be taught: simply and enjoyably.” — Alan Chodos, American Association of Physics Teachers

“Shankar, in an interactive and humorous way, lays a solid foundation for the study of Physics.” — Igor Klebanov, Princeton University

R. Shankar is the John Randolph Huffman Professor in the Department of Physics at Yale University. In 2009, he was awarded the Lilienfeld Prize by the American Physical Society. He is the author of two other books.

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