Book reviews for radioscientists: Modern electrodynamics

I sincerely recommend Modern Electrodynamics by Andrew Zangwill. This book provides a clear and modern discussion over a broad range of topics in electrodynamics. Clarity is the key feature of this book. The author constructs the book like an adept house builder. It is very well structured. A blueprint is planned, based on the classical topics in electrodynamics. The author then lays the foundation and builds the framework of the book by developing and expanding on related physical concepts in each chapter. The “house” of electrodynamics is completed by adding boards, siding and a roof of a clearly mathematical origin. As mentioned in the introduction, all this is done with “an engaging writing style and strong focus on physical understanding.” Different from many classical textbooks on electromagnetism that are mathematically heavy, the author uses mathematics as an enabling tool. He succeeds in using qualitative arguments to clarify complex mathematics. In this way, Zangwill gives prominence to the development of electrodynamics, and makes this book a real electrodynamics book.