This book will change the way you see the world around you!, 18 Nov 2008
Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning investigative writer, who is perhaps best known for her revealing work in What Doctors Don't Tell You. But in The Field she moves from conventional medicine to traditional science, cutting-edge physics and the meaning of the universe itself.

The Field began when McTaggart started researching the basis for and validity of homoeopathy. Along the way, she states that she stumbled on evidence that most of what we think of as scientific fact is now being rewritten by a handful of very reputable and very established scientists.

With her very balanced and informative style of writing, McTaggart reveals research that will startle some and excite others. But no matter on which side of the fence you sit, you will come away from this book with the conclusion that the world simply doesn't work the way that many of us, including scientists themselves, thought it did not so long ago.

McTaggart does not exaggerate when she proclaims that we are "on the brink of a revolution" in terms of our understanding of science. And while this might sound like hyperbole that could be easily brushed aside, she has compiled enough evidence to back up her claim.

The research being undertaken may be heavy-duty if not obtuse, but McTaggart makes it very understandable. She leads us by the hand through experiments that have been under way for approximately the last fifty years. Their findings point to conclusions that the universe is more akin to a sea of vibrations.

The implications of this vibrational theory range from the potential of an inexhaustible source of energy to the explanation of clairvoyance, remote viewing and distance healing.

The Field is a fascinating book to read to say the least. And with her extensive footnotes and bibliography, it's difficult for even the most hardened of sceptics to dismiss. Simply put, The Field will change how you see things!

The Mind-Body Book The World Has Been Waiting For, 15 Nov 2008
Written by award-winning journalist Lynne McTaggart, "The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is a ground-breaking book exhaustively exploring the enchanting complexities and wondrous discoveries of modern-day 21st century science, adducing remarkable evidence to prove that "The Zero Point Field" connects everything we have seen, heard or encountered to the wide, convoluted tapestry of human experiences.
Renowned for her wit, diligence and profundity, McTaggart deftly delineates how we are all connected - not just to one another, but also to nature, places and everything else that has ever happened in our universe - collating meticulous research, extensive interviews, and historic documents to craft a palatable, inventive message that wonderfully stretches the imagination like never before.
Human potential, she advances, can far surpass what modern science stipulates. This contention, though, is not without it's detractors; and, not least to her astonishment, many have rallied to villify this legitimate presentation of the theory that there is a measurable "life-force" in the universe. But of the numerous discursions into the frustratingly opaque area of quantum physics, none, of course, shine with the same stirring brilliance and polished mastery like those in the last electrifying third of this best-selling book. In part three, readers are afforded the rare opportunity to hear hallowed scientists Bill Church, Hal Puthoff, Karl Pribram, Ed Mitchell, Robert Jahn and Rupert Sheldrake express their thoughts, feelings and concerns on the controversial subject.
Creator and publisher of the astonishing 1999 release "What Doctors Don't Tell You", McTaggart produces not only one of the most inspiring novels in the last few years, but also one that is buttressed by compelling research culled from all corners of the world. Despite it's abstruse concepts, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is imbued with a gripping readability, replacing the widely-accepted and conventional perpection of man with a vivid, arresting depiction of collective strength, spiritual attainment and human transcendence. Offering unparalleled insight into the world of the supernatural, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is fraught with multiple surprises, scintillating twists and extraordinary information: readers of all stripes - scientists, New Agers, physicists, philosophers - will definitely rush to grab onto this one.


Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way

wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.

It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.

What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.

So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...

Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.

This book will change the way you see the world around you!, 18 Nov 2008
Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning investigative writer, who is perhaps best known for her revealing work in What Doctors Don't Tell You. But in The Field she moves from conventional medicine to traditional science, cutting-edge physics and the meaning of the universe itself.

The Field began when McTaggart started researching the basis for and validity of homoeopathy. Along the way, she states that she stumbled on evidence that most of what we think of as scientific fact is now being rewritten by a handful of very reputable and very established scientists.

With her very balanced and informative style of writing, McTaggart reveals research that will startle some and excite others. But no matter on which side of the fence you sit, you will come away from this book with the conclusion that the world simply doesn't work the way that many of us, including scientists themselves, thought it did not so long ago.

McTaggart does not exaggerate when she proclaims that we are "on the brink of a revolution" in terms of our understanding of science. And while this might sound like hyperbole that could be easily brushed aside, she has compiled enough evidence to back up her claim.

The research being undertaken may be heavy-duty if not obtuse, but McTaggart makes it very understandable. She leads us by the hand through experiments that have been under way for approximately the last fifty years. Their findings point to conclusions that the universe is more akin to a sea of vibrations.

The implications of this vibrational theory range from the potential of an inexhaustible source of energy to the explanation of clairvoyance, remote viewing and distance healing.

The Field is a fascinating book to read to say the least. And with her extensive footnotes and bibliography, it's difficult for even the most hardened of sceptics to dismiss. Simply put, The Field will change how you see things!

The Mind-Body Book The World Has Been Waiting For, 15 Nov 2008
Written by award-winning journalist Lynne McTaggart, "The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is a ground-breaking book exhaustively exploring the enchanting complexities and wondrous discoveries of modern-day 21st century science, adducing remarkable evidence to prove that "The Zero Point Field" connects everything we have seen, heard or encountered to the wide, convoluted tapestry of human experiences.
Renowned for her wit, diligence and profundity, McTaggart deftly delineates how we are all connected - not just to one another, but also to nature, places and everything else that has ever happened in our universe - collating meticulous research, extensive interviews, and historic documents to craft a palatable, inventive message that wonderfully stretches the imagination like never before.
Human potential, she advances, can far surpass what modern science stipulates. This contention, though, is not without it's detractors; and, not least to her astonishment, many have rallied to villify this legitimate presentation of the theory that there is a measurable "life-force" in the universe. But of the numerous discursions into the frustratingly opaque area of quantum physics, none, of course, shine with the same stirring brilliance and polished mastery like those in the last electrifying third of this best-selling book. In part three, readers are afforded the rare opportunity to hear hallowed scientists Bill Church, Hal Puthoff, Karl Pribram, Ed Mitchell, Robert Jahn and Rupert Sheldrake express their thoughts, feelings and concerns on the controversial subject.
Creator and publisher of the astonishing 1999 release "What Doctors Don't Tell You", McTaggart produces not only one of the most inspiring novels in the last few years, but also one that is buttressed by compelling research culled from all corners of the world. Despite it's abstruse concepts, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is imbued with a gripping readability, replacing the widely-accepted and conventional perpection of man with a vivid, arresting depiction of collective strength, spiritual attainment and human transcendence. Offering unparalleled insight into the world of the supernatural, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is fraught with multiple surprises, scintillating twists and extraordinary information: readers of all stripes - scientists, New Agers, physicists, philosophers - will definitely rush to grab onto this one.


Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way

wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.

It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.

What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.

So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...

Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.

NOT FOR FIRST TIMERS!!!, 17 Apr 2007
If your taking your first course in quantum field theory and feeling excited like you want to buy a book about it...don't buy this one. There are plenty of good clear books and internet resources out there that will give much more clarity about Dirac field, K.G. field, quantisation, perturbation either by canonical form or path integrals right up to renormalisation and regularisation. For example, the path integral approach in A.ZEE Intro to quantum field theory is a good place to get conceptual understanding.

After you have been studying the subject for a while and actually want a deeper mathematical and technical understand then this book is a keeper!! It is substantial and technical book, more for the researcher than the MSci or undergrad student. Also, this book looks good on the shelf; hardcover and thick. It is the kind of book that once you understand the subject you want a good book to refer to, but it isn't the kind of book to learn from.

A modern primer of QFT., 18 Mar 2006
Quantum Field Theory is a theory of modern physics which combines together quantum mechanics and special relativity and thus can be thought of as quantum mechanics in four space-time dimensions. Since its advent in the 1920's by the pioneering works of Dirac et al. the theory has grown to be a huge area encompassing both electrodynamics (QED) and the standard model of particle physics (QCD). The text by Schroeder and Peskin (first published in the U.S. by Westview Press, 1995) is a lucid, modern introduction and reference to this important subject which is nowadays highly indispensible for any serious student or researcher of modern physics.

The book is divided into three parts: In the first part, the authors introduce the Feynman diagrams as a prelude to QED and continue on by an elaboration of the Klein-Gordon equation, the Dirac field, perturbation theory and radiative corrections. In the second part which mainly deals with renormalization, discussion starts out with a survey of the functional methods, followed by the counting of ultraviolet divergences, the role of symmetry and the concept of effective action, the renormalization group (Wilson's approach and CS equation), and finally there is a foray into the condensed matter physics via the topic of critical exponents and nonlinear sigma models. In the third and final part, the focus shifts to the non-abelian gauge theories, their invariance, quantization, QCD, operator products, anomalies and spontaneous symmetry breaking (Higgs mechanism, G-W-S electroweak theory) culminating in a chapter on QFT at the frontier, outlining a brief on grand unified theories and supersymmetry, also pointing out some references for further study.

The senior author of the text has been an affiliate of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) who has learned field theory from three of its master's, S. Coleman, S. Weinberg, and K. Wilson. The authors' collective intent --following the example set by Bjorken and Drell-- has been to strike a perfect balance between abstract formalism, intuitive explanations, and practical calculations. There are also a large number of explicit calculations carried out in the text. Due to tactical considerations and space limitations however, the experimental developments of QFT, proof of some of the more advanced results, and an account of the history of the subject have been mostly left out to the other references. Having said all this, one other source which is surely worth taking up along with Schroeder and Peskin is a text by Michio Kaku, published by the Oxford University Press (1993) which contains short introductory chapters on several advanced topics.

An excellent book but with a deceptive title, 21 Feb 2006
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is an excellent book, I have read it once and I keep going back to it when I need something, and that happens very often. And I have never been disappointed so far: the book has got everything I need. However, the title is very deceptive: it is not a Quantum Field Theory primer, it is a book that one can read (and enjoy!) only after reading easier books, in this respect I find Michele Maggiore's "A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" (OUP 2004) and the classical "Field Theory: a Modern Primer" by Pierre Ramond (Perseus, 2nd edition 1999) more suitable.

Modern treatment of the subject, 05 Dec 1999
One of the best books on QFT. Contains a lot of useful information good for brushing up and hand-on research. Would like to see a second volume by these authors on the more advanced topic in QFT.

Good Book, but Mathematically..., 17 May 1999
I always wonder why physists won't hesitate to take hermitian conjugates of operators on complex vector space. In this book the barred spinor fields are defined as daggered fields multiplied by gamma^0, but taking conjugate using the standard inner products between Dirac spinors naturally leads to the barred fields. Don't they worry whether using "apparently" coordinate-dependent expression results in something wrong?

This book will change the way you see the world around you!, 18 Nov 2008
Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning investigative writer, who is perhaps best known for her revealing work in What Doctors Don't Tell You. But in The Field she moves from conventional medicine to traditional science, cutting-edge physics and the meaning of the universe itself.

The Field began when McTaggart started researching the basis for and validity of homoeopathy. Along the way, she states that she stumbled on evidence that most of what we think of as scientific fact is now being rewritten by a handful of very reputable and very established scientists.

With her very balanced and informative style of writing, McTaggart reveals research that will startle some and excite others. But no matter on which side of the fence you sit, you will come away from this book with the conclusion that the world simply doesn't work the way that many of us, including scientists themselves, thought it did not so long ago.

McTaggart does not exaggerate when she proclaims that we are "on the brink of a revolution" in terms of our understanding of science. And while this might sound like hyperbole that could be easily brushed aside, she has compiled enough evidence to back up her claim.

The research being undertaken may be heavy-duty if not obtuse, but McTaggart makes it very understandable. She leads us by the hand through experiments that have been under way for approximately the last fifty years. Their findings point to conclusions that the universe is more akin to a sea of vibrations.

The implications of this vibrational theory range from the potential of an inexhaustible source of energy to the explanation of clairvoyance, remote viewing and distance healing.

The Field is a fascinating book to read to say the least. And with her extensive footnotes and bibliography, it's difficult for even the most hardened of sceptics to dismiss. Simply put, The Field will change how you see things!

The Mind-Body Book The World Has Been Waiting For, 15 Nov 2008
Written by award-winning journalist Lynne McTaggart, "The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is a ground-breaking book exhaustively exploring the enchanting complexities and wondrous discoveries of modern-day 21st century science, adducing remarkable evidence to prove that "The Zero Point Field" connects everything we have seen, heard or encountered to the wide, convoluted tapestry of human experiences.
Renowned for her wit, diligence and profundity, McTaggart deftly delineates how we are all connected - not just to one another, but also to nature, places and everything else that has ever happened in our universe - collating meticulous research, extensive interviews, and historic documents to craft a palatable, inventive message that wonderfully stretches the imagination like never before.
Human potential, she advances, can far surpass what modern science stipulates. This contention, though, is not without it's detractors; and, not least to her astonishment, many have rallied to villify this legitimate presentation of the theory that there is a measurable "life-force" in the universe. But of the numerous discursions into the frustratingly opaque area of quantum physics, none, of course, shine with the same stirring brilliance and polished mastery like those in the last electrifying third of this best-selling book. In part three, readers are afforded the rare opportunity to hear hallowed scientists Bill Church, Hal Puthoff, Karl Pribram, Ed Mitchell, Robert Jahn and Rupert Sheldrake express their thoughts, feelings and concerns on the controversial subject.
Creator and publisher of the astonishing 1999 release "What Doctors Don't Tell You", McTaggart produces not only one of the most inspiring novels in the last few years, but also one that is buttressed by compelling research culled from all corners of the world. Despite it's abstruse concepts, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is imbued with a gripping readability, replacing the widely-accepted and conventional perpection of man with a vivid, arresting depiction of collective strength, spiritual attainment and human transcendence. Offering unparalleled insight into the world of the supernatural, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is fraught with multiple surprises, scintillating twists and extraordinary information: readers of all stripes - scientists, New Agers, physicists, philosophers - will definitely rush to grab onto this one.


Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way

wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.

It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.

What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.

So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...

Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.

NOT FOR FIRST TIMERS!!!, 17 Apr 2007
If your taking your first course in quantum field theory and feeling excited like you want to buy a book about it...don't buy this one. There are plenty of good clear books and internet resources out there that will give much more clarity about Dirac field, K.G. field, quantisation, perturbation either by canonical form or path integrals right up to renormalisation and regularisation. For example, the path integral approach in A.ZEE Intro to quantum field theory is a good place to get conceptual understanding.

After you have been studying the subject for a while and actually want a deeper mathematical and technical understand then this book is a keeper!! It is substantial and technical book, more for the researcher than the MSci or undergrad student. Also, this book looks good on the shelf; hardcover and thick. It is the kind of book that once you understand the subject you want a good book to refer to, but it isn't the kind of book to learn from.

A modern primer of QFT., 18 Mar 2006
Quantum Field Theory is a theory of modern physics which combines together quantum mechanics and special relativity and thus can be thought of as quantum mechanics in four space-time dimensions. Since its advent in the 1920's by the pioneering works of Dirac et al. the theory has grown to be a huge area encompassing both electrodynamics (QED) and the standard model of particle physics (QCD). The text by Schroeder and Peskin (first published in the U.S. by Westview Press, 1995) is a lucid, modern introduction and reference to this important subject which is nowadays highly indispensible for any serious student or researcher of modern physics.

The book is divided into three parts: In the first part, the authors introduce the Feynman diagrams as a prelude to QED and continue on by an elaboration of the Klein-Gordon equation, the Dirac field, perturbation theory and radiative corrections. In the second part which mainly deals with renormalization, discussion starts out with a survey of the functional methods, followed by the counting of ultraviolet divergences, the role of symmetry and the concept of effective action, the renormalization group (Wilson's approach and CS equation), and finally there is a foray into the condensed matter physics via the topic of critical exponents and nonlinear sigma models. In the third and final part, the focus shifts to the non-abelian gauge theories, their invariance, quantization, QCD, operator products, anomalies and spontaneous symmetry breaking (Higgs mechanism, G-W-S electroweak theory) culminating in a chapter on QFT at the frontier, outlining a brief on grand unified theories and supersymmetry, also pointing out some references for further study.

The senior author of the text has been an affiliate of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) who has learned field theory from three of its master's, S. Coleman, S. Weinberg, and K. Wilson. The authors' collective intent --following the example set by Bjorken and Drell-- has been to strike a perfect balance between abstract formalism, intuitive explanations, and practical calculations. There are also a large number of explicit calculations carried out in the text. Due to tactical considerations and space limitations however, the experimental developments of QFT, proof of some of the more advanced results, and an account of the history of the subject have been mostly left out to the other references. Having said all this, one other source which is surely worth taking up along with Schroeder and Peskin is a text by Michio Kaku, published by the Oxford University Press (1993) which contains short introductory chapters on several advanced topics.

An excellent book but with a deceptive title, 21 Feb 2006
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is an excellent book, I have read it once and I keep going back to it when I need something, and that happens very often. And I have never been disappointed so far: the book has got everything I need. However, the title is very deceptive: it is not a Quantum Field Theory primer, it is a book that one can read (and enjoy!) only after reading easier books, in this respect I find Michele Maggiore's "A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" (OUP 2004) and the classical "Field Theory: a Modern Primer" by Pierre Ramond (Perseus, 2nd edition 1999) more suitable.

Modern treatment of the subject, 05 Dec 1999
One of the best books on QFT. Contains a lot of useful information good for brushing up and hand-on research. Would like to see a second volume by these authors on the more advanced topic in QFT.

Good Book, but Mathematically..., 17 May 1999
I always wonder why physists won't hesitate to take hermitian conjugates of operators on complex vector space. In this book the barred spinor fields are defined as daggered fields multiplied by gamma^0, but taking conjugate using the standard inner products between Dirac spinors naturally leads to the barred fields. Don't they worry whether using "apparently" coordinate-dependent expression results in something wrong?

Better than most, 08 May 2008
It is a pity this book has not been written with a consistent level of care and attention to detail (as regards exposition, language); otherwise it would have been splendid. The overall plan and the emphasis on physics is excellent. There is a lot in this book which you would not easily find in other sources. In particular the exercises are very well done as miniprojects containing substantial further topics. There is an element of trendiness in the title: look up "Entropy" or "Order parameter" in the index and you'll find lots of page references, as behooves key terms appearing in the book's title; but look up "complexity" and you are referred to a series of exercises; one feels "complexity" was added to the title for want of a sexy buzzword that would distinguish this from any number of other stat mechs books.

This book will change the way you see the world around you!, 18 Nov 2008
Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning investigative writer, who is perhaps best known for her revealing work in What Doctors Don't Tell You. But in The Field she moves from conventional medicine to traditional science, cutting-edge physics and the meaning of the universe itself.

The Field began when McTaggart started researching the basis for and validity of homoeopathy. Along the way, she states that she stumbled on evidence that most of what we think of as scientific fact is now being rewritten by a handful of very reputable and very established scientists.

With her very balanced and informative style of writing, McTaggart reveals research that will startle some and excite others. But no matter on which side of the fence you sit, you will come away from this book with the conclusion that the world simply doesn't work the way that many of us, including scientists themselves, thought it did not so long ago.

McTaggart does not exaggerate when she proclaims that we are "on the brink of a revolution" in terms of our understanding of science. And while this might sound like hyperbole that could be easily brushed aside, she has compiled enough evidence to back up her claim.

The research being undertaken may be heavy-duty if not obtuse, but McTaggart makes it very understandable. She leads us by the hand through experiments that have been under way for approximately the last fifty years. Their findings point to conclusions that the universe is more akin to a sea of vibrations.

The implications of this vibrational theory range from the potential of an inexhaustible source of energy to the explanation of clairvoyance, remote viewing and distance healing.

The Field is a fascinating book to read to say the least. And with her extensive footnotes and bibliography, it's difficult for even the most hardened of sceptics to dismiss. Simply put, The Field will change how you see things!

The Mind-Body Book The World Has Been Waiting For, 15 Nov 2008
Written by award-winning journalist Lynne McTaggart, "The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is a ground-breaking book exhaustively exploring the enchanting complexities and wondrous discoveries of modern-day 21st century science, adducing remarkable evidence to prove that "The Zero Point Field" connects everything we have seen, heard or encountered to the wide, convoluted tapestry of human experiences.
Renowned for her wit, diligence and profundity, McTaggart deftly delineates how we are all connected - not just to one another, but also to nature, places and everything else that has ever happened in our universe - collating meticulous research, extensive interviews, and historic documents to craft a palatable, inventive message that wonderfully stretches the imagination like never before.
Human potential, she advances, can far surpass what modern science stipulates. This contention, though, is not without it's detractors; and, not least to her astonishment, many have rallied to villify this legitimate presentation of the theory that there is a measurable "life-force" in the universe. But of the numerous discursions into the frustratingly opaque area of quantum physics, none, of course, shine with the same stirring brilliance and polished mastery like those in the last electrifying third of this best-selling book. In part three, readers are afforded the rare opportunity to hear hallowed scientists Bill Church, Hal Puthoff, Karl Pribram, Ed Mitchell, Robert Jahn and Rupert Sheldrake express their thoughts, feelings and concerns on the controversial subject.
Creator and publisher of the astonishing 1999 release "What Doctors Don't Tell You", McTaggart produces not only one of the most inspiring novels in the last few years, but also one that is buttressed by compelling research culled from all corners of the world. Despite it's abstruse concepts, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is imbued with a gripping readability, replacing the widely-accepted and conventional perpection of man with a vivid, arresting depiction of collective strength, spiritual attainment and human transcendence. Offering unparalleled insight into the world of the supernatural, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is fraught with multiple surprises, scintillating twists and extraordinary information: readers of all stripes - scientists, New Agers, physicists, philosophers - will definitely rush to grab onto this one.


Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way

wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.

It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.

What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.

So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...

Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.

NOT FOR FIRST TIMERS!!!, 17 Apr 2007
If your taking your first course in quantum field theory and feeling excited like you want to buy a book about it...don't buy this one. There are plenty of good clear books and internet resources out there that will give much more clarity about Dirac field, K.G. field, quantisation, perturbation either by canonical form or path integrals right up to renormalisation and regularisation. For example, the path integral approach in A.ZEE Intro to quantum field theory is a good place to get conceptual understanding.

After you have been studying the subject for a while and actually want a deeper mathematical and technical understand then this book is a keeper!! It is substantial and technical book, more for the researcher than the MSci or undergrad student. Also, this book looks good on the shelf; hardcover and thick. It is the kind of book that once you understand the subject you want a good book to refer to, but it isn't the kind of book to learn from.

A modern primer of QFT., 18 Mar 2006
Quantum Field Theory is a theory of modern physics which combines together quantum mechanics and special relativity and thus can be thought of as quantum mechanics in four space-time dimensions. Since its advent in the 1920's by the pioneering works of Dirac et al. the theory has grown to be a huge area encompassing both electrodynamics (QED) and the standard model of particle physics (QCD). The text by Schroeder and Peskin (first published in the U.S. by Westview Press, 1995) is a lucid, modern introduction and reference to this important subject which is nowadays highly indispensible for any serious student or researcher of modern physics.

The book is divided into three parts: In the first part, the authors introduce the Feynman diagrams as a prelude to QED and continue on by an elaboration of the Klein-Gordon equation, the Dirac field, perturbation theory and radiative corrections. In the second part which mainly deals with renormalization, discussion starts out with a survey of the functional methods, followed by the counting of ultraviolet divergences, the role of symmetry and the concept of effective action, the renormalization group (Wilson's approach and CS equation), and finally there is a foray into the condensed matter physics via the topic of critical exponents and nonlinear sigma models. In the third and final part, the focus shifts to the non-abelian gauge theories, their invariance, quantization, QCD, operator products, anomalies and spontaneous symmetry breaking (Higgs mechanism, G-W-S electroweak theory) culminating in a chapter on QFT at the frontier, outlining a brief on grand unified theories and supersymmetry, also pointing out some references for further study.

The senior author of the text has been an affiliate of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) who has learned field theory from three of its master's, S. Coleman, S. Weinberg, and K. Wilson. The authors' collective intent --following the example set by Bjorken and Drell-- has been to strike a perfect balance between abstract formalism, intuitive explanations, and practical calculations. There are also a large number of explicit calculations carried out in the text. Due to tactical considerations and space limitations however, the experimental developments of QFT, proof of some of the more advanced results, and an account of the history of the subject have been mostly left out to the other references. Having said all this, one other source which is surely worth taking up along with Schroeder and Peskin is a text by Michio Kaku, published by the Oxford University Press (1993) which contains short introductory chapters on several advanced topics.

An excellent book but with a deceptive title, 21 Feb 2006
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is an excellent book, I have read it once and I keep going back to it when I need something, and that happens very often. And I have never been disappointed so far: the book has got everything I need. However, the title is very deceptive: it is not a Quantum Field Theory primer, it is a book that one can read (and enjoy!) only after reading easier books, in this respect I find Michele Maggiore's "A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" (OUP 2004) and the classical "Field Theory: a Modern Primer" by Pierre Ramond (Perseus, 2nd edition 1999) more suitable.

Modern treatment of the subject, 05 Dec 1999
One of the best books on QFT. Contains a lot of useful information good for brushing up and hand-on research. Would like to see a second volume by these authors on the more advanced topic in QFT.

Good Book, but Mathematically..., 17 May 1999
I always wonder why physists won't hesitate to take hermitian conjugates of operators on complex vector space. In this book the barred spinor fields are defined as daggered fields multiplied by gamma^0, but taking conjugate using the standard inner products between Dirac spinors naturally leads to the barred fields. Don't they worry whether using "apparently" coordinate-dependent expression results in something wrong?

Better than most, 08 May 2008
It is a pity this book has not been written with a consistent level of care and attention to detail (as regards exposition, language); otherwise it would have been splendid. The overall plan and the emphasis on physics is excellent. There is a lot in this book which you would not easily find in other sources. In particular the exercises are very well done as miniprojects containing substantial further topics. There is an element of trendiness in the title: look up "Entropy" or "Order parameter" in the index and you'll find lots of page references, as behooves key terms appearing in the book's title; but look up "complexity" and you are referred to a series of exercises; one feels "complexity" was added to the title for want of a sexy buzzword that would distinguish this from any number of other stat mechs books.

A good coursebook on Quantum Field Theory, 31 Jan 2001
A very good first book for someone having the necessary background in Quantum Theory. Covers the essentials in the subject of Field Theory. Easier to penetrate than Weinbergs recent "field theory bible".

This book will change the way you see the world around you!, 18 Nov 2008
Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning investigative writer, who is perhaps best known for her revealing work in What Doctors Don't Tell You. But in The Field she moves from conventional medicine to traditional science, cutting-edge physics and the meaning of the universe itself.

The Field began when McTaggart started researching the basis for and validity of homoeopathy. Along the way, she states that she stumbled on evidence that most of what we think of as scientific fact is now being rewritten by a handful of very reputable and very established scientists.

With her very balanced and informative style of writing, McTaggart reveals research that will startle some and excite others. But no matter on which side of the fence you sit, you will come away from this book with the conclusion that the world simply doesn't work the way that many of us, including scientists themselves, thought it did not so long ago.

McTaggart does not exaggerate when she proclaims that we are "on the brink of a revolution" in terms of our understanding of science. And while this might sound like hyperbole that could be easily brushed aside, she has compiled enough evidence to back up her claim.

The research being undertaken may be heavy-duty if not obtuse, but McTaggart makes it very understandable. She leads us by the hand through experiments that have been under way for approximately the last fifty years. Their findings point to conclusions that the universe is more akin to a sea of vibrations.

The implications of this vibrational theory range from the potential of an inexhaustible source of energy to the explanation of clairvoyance, remote viewing and distance healing.

The Field is a fascinating book to read to say the least. And with her extensive footnotes and bibliography, it's difficult for even the most hardened of sceptics to dismiss. Simply put, The Field will change how you see things!

The Mind-Body Book The World Has Been Waiting For, 15 Nov 2008
Written by award-winning journalist Lynne McTaggart, "The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is a ground-breaking book exhaustively exploring the enchanting complexities and wondrous discoveries of modern-day 21st century science, adducing remarkable evidence to prove that "The Zero Point Field" connects everything we have seen, heard or encountered to the wide, convoluted tapestry of human experiences.
Renowned for her wit, diligence and profundity, McTaggart deftly delineates how we are all connected - not just to one another, but also to nature, places and everything else that has ever happened in our universe - collating meticulous research, extensive interviews, and historic documents to craft a palatable, inventive message that wonderfully stretches the imagination like never before.
Human potential, she advances, can far surpass what modern science stipulates. This contention, though, is not without it's detractors; and, not least to her astonishment, many have rallied to villify this legitimate presentation of the theory that there is a measurable "life-force" in the universe. But of the numerous discursions into the frustratingly opaque area of quantum physics, none, of course, shine with the same stirring brilliance and polished mastery like those in the last electrifying third of this best-selling book. In part three, readers are afforded the rare opportunity to hear hallowed scientists Bill Church, Hal Puthoff, Karl Pribram, Ed Mitchell, Robert Jahn and Rupert Sheldrake express their thoughts, feelings and concerns on the controversial subject.
Creator and publisher of the astonishing 1999 release "What Doctors Don't Tell You", McTaggart produces not only one of the most inspiring novels in the last few years, but also one that is buttressed by compelling research culled from all corners of the world. Despite it's abstruse concepts, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is imbued with a gripping readability, replacing the widely-accepted and conventional perpection of man with a vivid, arresting depiction of collective strength, spiritual attainment and human transcendence. Offering unparalleled insight into the world of the supernatural, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is fraught with multiple surprises, scintillating twists and extraordinary information: readers of all stripes - scientists, New Agers, physicists, philosophers - will definitely rush to grab onto this one.


Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way

wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.

It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.

What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.

So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...

Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.

NOT FOR FIRST TIMERS!!!, 17 Apr 2007
If your taking your first course in quantum field theory and feeling excited like you want to buy a book about it...don't buy this one. There are plenty of good clear books and internet resources out there that will give much more clarity about Dirac field, K.G. field, quantisation, perturbation either by canonical form or path integrals right up to renormalisation and regularisation. For example, the path integral approach in A.ZEE Intro to quantum field theory is a good place to get conceptual understanding.

After you have been studying the subject for a while and actually want a deeper mathematical and technical understand then this book is a keeper!! It is substantial and technical book, more for the researcher than the MSci or undergrad student. Also, this book looks good on the shelf; hardcover and thick. It is the kind of book that once you understand the subject you want a good book to refer to, but it isn't the kind of book to learn from.

A modern primer of QFT., 18 Mar 2006
Quantum Field Theory is a theory of modern physics which combines together quantum mechanics and special relativity and thus can be thought of as quantum mechanics in four space-time dimensions. Since its advent in the 1920's by the pioneering works of Dirac et al. the theory has grown to be a huge area encompassing both electrodynamics (QED) and the standard model of particle physics (QCD). The text by Schroeder and Peskin (first published in the U.S. by Westview Press, 1995) is a lucid, modern introduction and reference to this important subject which is nowadays highly indispensible for any serious student or researcher of modern physics.

The book is divided into three parts: In the first part, the authors introduce the Feynman diagrams as a prelude to QED and continue on by an elaboration of the Klein-Gordon equation, the Dirac field, perturbation theory and radiative corrections. In the second part which mainly deals with renormalization, discussion starts out with a survey of the functional methods, followed by the counting of ultraviolet divergences, the role of symmetry and the concept of effective action, the renormalization group (Wilson's approach and CS equation), and finally there is a foray into the condensed matter physics via the topic of critical exponents and nonlinear sigma models. In the third and final part, the focus shifts to the non-abelian gauge theories, their invariance, quantization, QCD, operator products, anomalies and spontaneous symmetry breaking (Higgs mechanism, G-W-S electroweak theory) culminating in a chapter on QFT at the frontier, outlining a brief on grand unified theories and supersymmetry, also pointing out some references for further study.

The senior author of the text has been an affiliate of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) who has learned field theory from three of its master's, S. Coleman, S. Weinberg, and K. Wilson. The authors' collective intent --following the example set by Bjorken and Drell-- has been to strike a perfect balance between abstract formalism, intuitive explanations, and practical calculations. There are also a large number of explicit calculations carried out in the text. Due to tactical considerations and space limitations however, the experimental developments of QFT, proof of some of the more advanced results, and an account of the history of the subject have been mostly left out to the other references. Having said all this, one other source which is surely worth taking up along with Schroeder and Peskin is a text by Michio Kaku, published by the Oxford University Press (1993) which contains short introductory chapters on several advanced topics.

An excellent book but with a deceptive title, 21 Feb 2006
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is an excellent book, I have read it once and I keep going back to it when I need something, and that happens very often. And I have never been disappointed so far: the book has got everything I need. However, the title is very deceptive: it is not a Quantum Field Theory primer, it is a book that one can read (and enjoy!) only after reading easier books, in this respect I find Michele Maggiore's "A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" (OUP 2004) and the classical "Field Theory: a Modern Primer" by Pierre Ramond (Perseus, 2nd edition 1999) more suitable.

Modern treatment of the subject, 05 Dec 1999
One of the best books on QFT. Contains a lot of useful information good for brushing up and hand-on research. Would like to see a second volume by these authors on the more advanced topic in QFT.

Good Book, but Mathematically..., 17 May 1999
I always wonder why physists won't hesitate to take hermitian conjugates of operators on complex vector space. In this book the barred spinor fields are defined as daggered fields multiplied by gamma^0, but taking conjugate using the standard inner products between Dirac spinors naturally leads to the barred fields. Don't they worry whether using "apparently" coordinate-dependent expression results in something wrong?

Better than most, 08 May 2008
It is a pity this book has not been written with a consistent level of care and attention to detail (as regards exposition, language); otherwise it would have been splendid. The overall plan and the emphasis on physics is excellent. There is a lot in this book which you would not easily find in other sources. In particular the exercises are very well done as miniprojects containing substantial further topics. There is an element of trendiness in the title: look up "Entropy" or "Order parameter" in the index and you'll find lots of page references, as behooves key terms appearing in the book's title; but look up "complexity" and you are referred to a series of exercises; one feels "complexity" was added to the title for want of a sexy buzzword that would distinguish this from any number of other stat mechs books.

A good coursebook on Quantum Field Theory, 31 Jan 2001
A very good first book for someone having the necessary background in Quantum Theory. Covers the essentials in the subject of Field Theory. Easier to penetrate than Weinbergs recent "field theory bible".

good book, but not for beginers, 13 Sep 2001
this book is a very good book but is not recommended for beginers, if your only reading out of interest get another.

This book will change the way you see the world around you!, 18 Nov 2008
Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning investigative writer, who is perhaps best known for her revealing work in What Doctors Don't Tell You. But in The Field she moves from conventional medicine to traditional science, cutting-edge physics and the meaning of the universe itself.

The Field began when McTaggart started researching the basis for and validity of homoeopathy. Along the way, she states that she stumbled on evidence that most of what we think of as scientific fact is now being rewritten by a handful of very reputable and very established scientists.

With her very balanced and informative style of writing, McTaggart reveals research that will startle some and excite others. But no matter on which side of the fence you sit, you will come away from this book with the conclusion that the world simply doesn't work the way that many of us, including scientists themselves, thought it did not so long ago.

McTaggart does not exaggerate when she proclaims that we are "on the brink of a revolution" in terms of our understanding of science. And while this might sound like hyperbole that could be easily brushed aside, she has compiled enough evidence to back up her claim.

The research being undertaken may be heavy-duty if not obtuse, but McTaggart makes it very understandable. She leads us by the hand through experiments that have been under way for approximately the last fifty years. Their findings point to conclusions that the universe is more akin to a sea of vibrations.

The implications of this vibrational theory range from the potential of an inexhaustible source of energy to the explanation of clairvoyance, remote viewing and distance healing.

The Field is a fascinating book to read to say the least. And with her extensive footnotes and bibliography, it's difficult for even the most hardened of sceptics to dismiss. Simply put, The Field will change how you see things!

The Mind-Body Book The World Has Been Waiting For, 15 Nov 2008
Written by award-winning journalist Lynne McTaggart, "The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is a ground-breaking book exhaustively exploring the enchanting complexities and wondrous discoveries of modern-day 21st century science, adducing remarkable evidence to prove that "The Zero Point Field" connects everything we have seen, heard or encountered to the wide, convoluted tapestry of human experiences.
Renowned for her wit, diligence and profundity, McTaggart deftly delineates how we are all connected - not just to one another, but also to nature, places and everything else that has ever happened in our universe - collating meticulous research, extensive interviews, and historic documents to craft a palatable, inventive message that wonderfully stretches the imagination like never before.
Human potential, she advances, can far surpass what modern science stipulates. This contention, though, is not without it's detractors; and, not least to her astonishment, many have rallied to villify this legitimate presentation of the theory that there is a measurable "life-force" in the universe. But of the numerous discursions into the frustratingly opaque area of quantum physics, none, of course, shine with the same stirring brilliance and polished mastery like those in the last electrifying third of this best-selling book. In part three, readers are afforded the rare opportunity to hear hallowed scientists Bill Church, Hal Puthoff, Karl Pribram, Ed Mitchell, Robert Jahn and Rupert Sheldrake express their thoughts, feelings and concerns on the controversial subject.
Creator and publisher of the astonishing 1999 release "What Doctors Don't Tell You", McTaggart produces not only one of the most inspiring novels in the last few years, but also one that is buttressed by compelling research culled from all corners of the world. Despite it's abstruse concepts, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is imbued with a gripping readability, replacing the widely-accepted and conventional perpection of man with a vivid, arresting depiction of collective strength, spiritual attainment and human transcendence. Offering unparalleled insight into the world of the supernatural, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is fraught with multiple surprises, scintillating twists and extraordinary information: readers of all stripes - scientists, New Agers, physicists, philosophers - will definitely rush to grab onto this one.


Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way

wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.

It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.

What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.

So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...

Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.

NOT FOR FIRST TIMERS!!!, 17 Apr 2007
If your taking your first course in quantum field theory and feeling excited like you want to buy a book about it...don't buy this one. There are plenty of good clear books and internet resources out there that will give much more clarity about Dirac field, K.G. field, quantisation, perturbation either by canonical form or path integrals right up to renormalisation and regularisation. For example, the path integral approach in A.ZEE Intro to quantum field theory is a good place to get conceptual understanding.

After you have been studying the subject for a while and actually want a deeper mathematical and technical understand then this book is a keeper!! It is substantial and technical book, more for the researcher than the MSci or undergrad student. Also, this book looks good on the shelf; hardcover and thick. It is the kind of book that once you understand the subject you want a good book to refer to, but it isn't the kind of book to learn from.

A modern primer of QFT., 18 Mar 2006
Quantum Field Theory is a theory of modern physics which combines together quantum mechanics and special relativity and thus can be thought of as quantum mechanics in four space-time dimensions. Since its advent in the 1920's by the pioneering works of Dirac et al. the theory has grown to be a huge area encompassing both electrodynamics (QED) and the standard model of particle physics (QCD). The text by Schroeder and Peskin (first published in the U.S. by Westview Press, 1995) is a lucid, modern introduction and reference to this important subject which is nowadays highly indispensible for any serious student or researcher of modern physics.

The book is divided into three parts: In the first part, the authors introduce the Feynman diagrams as a prelude to QED and continue on by an elaboration of the Klein-Gordon equation, the Dirac field, perturbation theory and radiative corrections. In the second part which mainly deals with renormalization, discussion starts out with a survey of the functional methods, followed by the counting of ultraviolet divergences, the role of symmetry and the concept of effective action, the renormalization group (Wilson's approach and CS equation), and finally there is a foray into the condensed matter physics via the topic of critical exponents and nonlinear sigma models. In the third and final part, the focus shifts to the non-abelian gauge theories, their invariance, quantization, QCD, operator products, anomalies and spontaneous symmetry breaking (Higgs mechanism, G-W-S electroweak theory) culminating in a chapter on QFT at the frontier, outlining a brief on grand unified theories and supersymmetry, also pointing out some references for further study.

The senior author of the text has been an affiliate of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) who has learned field theory from three of its master's, S. Coleman, S. Weinberg, and K. Wilson. The authors' collective intent --following the example set by Bjorken and Drell-- has been to strike a perfect balance between abstract formalism, intuitive explanations, and practical calculations. There are also a large number of explicit calculations carried out in the text. Due to tactical considerations and space limitations however, the experimental developments of QFT, proof of some of the more advanced results, and an account of the history of the subject have been mostly left out to the other references. Having said all this, one other source which is surely worth taking up along with Schroeder and Peskin is a text by Michio Kaku, published by the Oxford University Press (1993) which contains short introductory chapters on several advanced topics.

An excellent book but with a deceptive title, 21 Feb 2006
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is an excellent book, I have read it once and I keep going back to it when I need something, and that happens very often. And I have never been disappointed so far: the book has got everything I need. However, the title is very deceptive: it is not a Quantum Field Theory primer, it is a book that one can read (and enjoy!) only after reading easier books, in this respect I find Michele Maggiore's "A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" (OUP 2004) and the classical "Field Theory: a Modern Primer" by Pierre Ramond (Perseus, 2nd edition 1999) more suitable.

Modern treatment of the subject, 05 Dec 1999
One of the best books on QFT. Contains a lot of useful information good for brushing up and hand-on research. Would like to see a second volume by these authors on the more advanced topic in QFT.

Good Book, but Mathematically..., 17 May 1999
I always wonder why physists won't hesitate to take hermitian conjugates of operators on complex vector space. In this book the barred spinor fields are defined as daggered fields multiplied by gamma^0, but taking conjugate using the standard inner products between Dirac spinors naturally leads to the barred fields. Don't they worry whether using "apparently" coordinate-dependent expression results in something wrong?

Better than most, 08 May 2008
It is a pity this book has not been written with a consistent level of care and attention to detail (as regards exposition, language); otherwise it would have been splendid. The overall plan and the emphasis on physics is excellent. There is a lot in this book which you would not easily find in other sources. In particular the exercises are very well done as miniprojects containing substantial further topics. There is an element of trendiness in the title: look up "Entropy" or "Order parameter" in the index and you'll find lots of page references, as behooves key terms appearing in the book's title; but look up "complexity" and you are referred to a series of exercises; one feels "complexity" was added to the title for want of a sexy buzzword that would distinguish this from any number of other stat mechs books.

A good coursebook on Quantum Field Theory, 31 Jan 2001
A very good first book for someone having the necessary background in Quantum Theory. Covers the essentials in the subject of Field Theory. Easier to penetrate than Weinbergs recent "field theory bible".

good book, but not for beginers, 13 Sep 2001
this book is a very good book but is not recommended for beginers, if your only reading out of interest get another.

Weinberg does it again, 26 Feb 2001
After two briliantly written books about the fundamentals of quantum field theories and non-abelian gauge theory, here's number three on supersymmetric field theory. This is the sort of book that has everything, the clarity and detail so common to Weinberg's texts, the insight and humor of an expert in the field. As you read, you cannot suppress the impression that Weinberg himself must have had a lot of fun sorting out all those details and questions that many other books just skip over. This is an absolute recommendation, not only for those who already own their copy of volumes tone and two.

This book will change the way you see the world around you!, 18 Nov 2008
Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning investigative writer, who is perhaps best known for her revealing work in What Doctors Don't Tell You. But in The Field she moves from conventional medicine to traditional science, cutting-edge physics and the meaning of the universe itself.

The Field began when McTaggart started researching the basis for and validity of homoeopathy. Along the way, she states that she stumbled on evidence that most of what we think of as scientific fact is now being rewritten by a handful of very reputable and very established scientists.

With her very balanced and informative style of writing, McTaggart reveals research that will startle some and excite others. But no matter on which side of the fence you sit, you will come away from this book with the conclusion that the world simply doesn't work the way that many of us, including scientists themselves, thought it did not so long ago.

McTaggart does not exaggerate when she proclaims that we are "on the brink of a revolution" in terms of our understanding of science. And while this might sound like hyperbole that could be easily brushed aside, she has compiled enough evidence to back up her claim.

The research being undertaken may be heavy-duty if not obtuse, but McTaggart makes it very understandable. She leads us by the hand through experiments that have been under way for approximately the last fifty years. Their findings point to conclusions that the universe is more akin to a sea of vibrations.

The implications of this vibrational theory range from the potential of an inexhaustible source of energy to the explanation of clairvoyance, remote viewing and distance healing.

The Field is a fascinating book to read to say the least. And with her extensive footnotes and bibliography, it's difficult for even the most hardened of sceptics to dismiss. Simply put, The Field will change how you see things!

The Mind-Body Book The World Has Been Waiting For, 15 Nov 2008
Written by award-winning journalist Lynne McTaggart, "The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is a ground-breaking book exhaustively exploring the enchanting complexities and wondrous discoveries of modern-day 21st century science, adducing remarkable evidence to prove that "The Zero Point Field" connects everything we have seen, heard or encountered to the wide, convoluted tapestry of human experiences.
Renowned for her wit, diligence and profundity, McTaggart deftly delineates how we are all connected - not just to one another, but also to nature, places and everything else that has ever happened in our universe - collating meticulous research, extensive interviews, and historic documents to craft a palatable, inventive message that wonderfully stretches the imagination like never before.
Human potential, she advances, can far surpass what modern science stipulates. This contention, though, is not without it's detractors; and, not least to her astonishment, many have rallied to villify this legitimate presentation of the theory that there is a measurable "life-force" in the universe. But of the numerous discursions into the frustratingly opaque area of quantum physics, none, of course, shine with the same stirring brilliance and polished mastery like those in the last electrifying third of this best-selling book. In part three, readers are afforded the rare opportunity to hear hallowed scientists Bill Church, Hal Puthoff, Karl Pribram, Ed Mitchell, Robert Jahn and Rupert Sheldrake express their thoughts, feelings and concerns on the controversial subject.
Creator and publisher of the astonishing 1999 release "What Doctors Don't Tell You", McTaggart produces not only one of the most inspiring novels in the last few years, but also one that is buttressed by compelling research culled from all corners of the world. Despite it's abstruse concepts, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is imbued with a gripping readability, replacing the widely-accepted and conventional perpection of man with a vivid, arresting depiction of collective strength, spiritual attainment and human transcendence. Offering unparalleled insight into the world of the supernatural, "The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe" is fraught with multiple surprises, scintillating twists and extraordinary information: readers of all stripes - scientists, New Agers, physicists, philosophers - will definitely rush to grab onto this one.


Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way

wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.

It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.

What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.

So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...

Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.

NOT FOR FIRST TIMERS!!!, 17 Apr 2007
If your taking your first course in quantum field theory and feeling excited like you want to buy a book about it...don't buy this one. There are plenty of good clear books and internet resources out there that will give much more clarity about Dirac field, K.G. field, quantisation, perturbation either by canonical form or path integrals right up to renormalisation and regularisation. For example, the path integral approach in A.ZEE Intro to quantum field theory is a good place to get conceptual understanding.

After you have been studying the subject for a while and actually want a deeper mathematical and technical understand then this book is a keeper!! It is substantial and technical book, more for the researcher than the MSci or undergrad student. Also, this book looks good on the shelf; hardcover and thick. It is the kind of book that once you understand the subject you want a good book to refer to, but it isn't the kind of book to learn from.

A modern primer of QFT., 18 Mar 2006
Quantum Field Theory is a theory of modern physics which combines together quantum mechanics and special relativity and thus can be thought of as quantum mechanics in four space-time dimensions. Since its advent in the 1920's by the pioneering works of Dirac et al. the theory has grown to be a huge area encompassing both electrodynamics (QED) and the standard model of particle physics (QCD). The text by Schroeder and Peskin (first published in the U.S. by Westview Press, 1995) is a lucid, modern introduction and reference to this important subject which is nowadays highly indispensible for any serious student or researcher of modern physics.

The book is divided into three parts: In the first part, the authors introduce the Feynman diagrams as a prelude to QED and continue on by an elaboration of the Klein-Gordon equation, the Dirac field, perturbation theory and radiative corrections. In the second part which mainly deals with renormalization, discussion starts out with a survey of the functional methods, followed by the counting of ultraviolet divergences, the role of symmetry and the concept of effective action, the renormalization group (Wilson's approach and CS equation), and finally there is a foray into the condensed matter physics via the topic of critical exponents and nonlinear sigma models. In the third and final part, the focus shifts to the non-abelian gauge theories, their invariance, quantization, QCD, operator products, anomalies and spontaneous symmetry breaking (Higgs mechanism, G-W-S electroweak theory) culminating in a chapter on QFT at the frontier, outlining a brief on grand unified theories and supersymmetry, also pointing out some references for further study.

The senior author of the text has been an affiliate of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) who has learned field theory from three of its master's, S. Coleman, S. Weinberg, and K. Wilson. The authors' collective intent --following the example set by Bjorken and Drell-- has been to strike a perfect balance between abstract formalism, intuitive explanations, and practical calculations. There are also a large number of explicit calculations carried out in the text. Due to tactical considerations and space limitations however, the experimental developments of QFT, proof of some of the more advanced results, and an account of the history of the subject have been mostly left out to the other references. Having said all this, one other source which is surely worth taking up along with Schroeder and Peskin is a text by Michio Kaku, published by the Oxford University Press (1993) which contains short introductory chapters on several advanced topics.

An excellent book but with a deceptive title, 21 Feb 2006
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory is an excellent book, I have read it once and I keep going back to it when I need something, and that happens very often. And I have