Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell

Since it was first published, Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell has quickly established itself as the most accessible and comprehensive introduction to this profound and deeply fascinating area of theoretical physics. Now in this fully revised and expanded edition, A. Zee covers the latest advances while providing a solid conceptual foundation for students to build on, making this the most up-to-date and modern textbook on quantum field theory available.

This expanded edition features several additional chapters, as well as an entirely new section describing recent developments in quantum field theory such as gravitational waves, the helicity spinor formalism, on-shell gluon scattering, recursion relations for amplitudes with complex momenta, and the hidden connection between Yang-Mills theory and Einstein gravity. Zee also provides added exercises, explanations, and examples, as well as detailed appendices, solutions to selected exercises, and suggestions for further reading.

• The most accessible and comprehensive introductory textbook available
• Features a fully revised, updated, and expanded text
• Covers the latest exciting advances in the field
• Includes new exercises
• Offers a one-of-a-kind resource for students and researchers

Review

“Every theoretical physicist and every university library should own this book.” ― Choice

“This is quantum field theory taught at the knee of . . . one who loves the grandeur of his subject, has a keen eye for a slick argument, and is eager to share his repertoire of anecdotes about Feynman, Fermi, and all of his heroes. . . . Zee misses no opportunity to point out that an argument he gives opens the door to some deeper subject that he encourages the reader to explore. . . . [Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell] helps them love the subject and race to its frontier.”—Michael E. Peskin, Classical and Quantum Gravity

“[T]his is an excellent and unique introduction to quantum field theory. It takes a lot of work, and capable but less confident students would need a great deal of guidance, but it is a beautiful text written with infectious enthusiasm, and I thoroughly recommend it.”—S. Virmani, Contemporary Physics

“[This] is an excellent invitation to the wide area of modern quantum field theory, and even provides the mature field theoretician with interesting insights and connections. To the curious student, it is a near-perfect companion to spice up the world of quantum field theory, especially particle physics, beyond the standard presentations. . . . It is definitely highly recommendable to anyone who wants to have a book with a non-standard view on quantum field theory, or who just wants to have an entertaining and insightful reprise of the topic.”—Axel Maas, Mathematical Reviews Clippings

“A beautiful exposition of the way modern field theorists think about quantum field theory, packed with insights and physical intuition. Zee’s book should be required reading for every serious student of the subject.”―Nima Arkani-Hamed, Institute for Advanced Study

Table of Contents

Part I: Motivation and Foundation

Part II: Dirac and the SpinorPart

Part III: Renormalization and Gauge Invariance

Part IV: Symmetry and Symmetry Breaking

Part V: Field Theory and Collective Phenomena

Part VI: Field Theory and Condensed Matter

Part VII: Grand Unification

Part VIII: Gravity and Beyond

Appendix A: Gaussian Integration and the Central Identity of Quantum Field Theory

Appendix B: A Brief Review of Group Theory

Appendix C: Feynman Rules

Appendix D: Various Identities and Feynman Integrals

Appendix E: Dotted and Undotted Indices and the Majorana Spinor

Solutions to Selected Exercises

About the Author

A. Zee is professor of physics and a permanent member of the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His books include Fearful Symmetry: The Search for Beauty in Modern Physics (Princeton).