Best books to learn Physics, in order

Reading paths for physics

Learn Condensed Matter Physics: The Best Books, in Order

Beginner10books128 hrs5 stages

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Learn Plasma Physics: The Best Books, in Order

Beginner7books98 hrs5 stages

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How to learn Physics

Beginner12books151 hrs5 stages

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Particle physics: a reading path from atoms to the Standard Model

Intermediate12books111 hrs5 stages

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Best Books on the History of Physics, in Reading Order

Intermediate14books164 hrs5 stages

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Nuclear physics reading path: from the nucleus to reactions and decay

Intermediate10books147 hrs4 stages

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Popular physics books

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (2nd Edition) by David J. GriffithsDavid Jeffrey Griffiths · 1994

The Quantum WorldKenneth W. Ford · 2004

Six Easy PiecesRichard Phillips Feynman · 1994

Functional AnalysisWalter Rudin · 1973

Mathematical methods for physicistsGeorge B. Arfken · 1966

Ultrashort laser pulse phenomenaJean-Claude Diels · 1995

Related reading

• How to read a hard book (without giving up)
• From Feynman to quantum field theory: teaching yourself physics
• Learn cosmology from books: how to read your way to the Big Bang

Frequently asked questions

How should I approach learning physics?

Physics builds strictly: mechanics and intuition first, then the math that lets you actually compute, then modern physics. Popular books build the picture; the textbooks make it rigorous.

What's a good book to start physics with?

A strong starting point is Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (2nd Edition) by David J. Griffiths by David Jeffrey Griffiths. The ordered reading paths above show exactly where it fits and what to read next.

What should I read after physics?

Once you have the fundamentals, explore closely related subjects like Mathematics, Cosmology, Astronomy.

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