Introductory book on Group Theory for physicists

Question

I am looking for an introductory book on Group Theory that would be good for physicists. I am currently using Group Theory by J.S. Milne, but I find it slightly hard to digest (I find it too formal for someone who isn't from the field of mathematics).

So I'm looking for a book that would allow for a more hands-on, intuitive approach to Group Theory, and that doesn't require too much mathematical background for one to understand the basics.

PS: Recommendations on online courses would also be appreciated

A Course in Group Theory by John F. Humphreys is a good book for that first time in group-theory. I started with it and rapidly learnt the basics, faster than searching online "here and there". — kub0x, Nov 15 '19 at 18:33
cf. this question, and consider on line lectures by Benedict Gross based on M. Artin's Algebra text — J. W. Tanner, Nov 15 '19 at 18:38

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered May 30 '23 at 01:54

Have you tried Group Theory in a Nutshell for Physicists (2016, Princeton University Press) by Anthony Zee?

I know you are focusing on physics, but try the following books!

Discovering Group Theory: A Transition to Advanced Mathematics (2016 1st ed.). CRC Press. By Tony Barnard, Hugh Neill.
A Friendly Introduction to Group Theory (2017 2nd ed) by David A. Nash.
Abstract Algebra: A Student-Friendly Approach (2017) by Laura L. Dos Reis, Anthony J. Dos Reis.

More books are recommended here and here.

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 15 '19 at 18:29

1

My favorite "intuitive" book on group theory by far is Visual group theory by Nathan Carter (MAA Press), but it isn't directed to physics, and has very little on Lie groups, which figure so prominently in physics.

answered Nov 15 '19 at 18:29

David G. Stork

30,409

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Nov 15 '19 at 18:33

My favorite intro group theory book is A Book of Abstract Algebra by Charles Pinter. It is a very gentle introduction. I can't say it has too many concepts that will be useful for physicists, but it is very readable and intuitive. I actually found there is a link here in case you wanted to download it.

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Dec 16 '19 at 20:13

In the meantime, I found this crash course in group theory online. It is a good crash course for anyone interested in learning the basis or reviewing them before going into something a little more deep.

It is a bit hard to find online support content for students taking an intro course on this subject, so I hope this helps.

Introductory book on Group Theory for physicists

4 Answers4