A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics 2nd Edition

"A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics 2nd Edition" by Townsend offers a modern and approachable introduction to the complex subject of quantum mechanics. The book covers all the major topics of an undergraduate course in quantum mechanics, including wave mechanics, the hydrogen atom, spin and angular momentum, and perturbation theory. The author takes a non-standard path by starting with a discussion of spin and focusing on linear algebra before moving on to infinite dimensional spaces like position and momentum. This approach provides a solid foundation for understanding quantum mechanics. The book is praised for its readability and its ability to make the often unintuitive concepts of quantum mechanics understandable. The problems in the book are approachable, making it suitable for self-study. While some readers find the problems to be on the easier side compared to a rigorous undergraduate quantum mechanics course, the overall coverage of each topic is Considered comprehensive. However, some readers note that certain topics such as path integrals, identical particles, and time-dependent perturbation theory are not covered in as much depth as other textbooks like Shankar. Despite this, the book is recommended as a stepping stone to more advanced texts like Sakurai for those interested in pursuing graduate-level quantum mechanics. Overall, "A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics 2nd Edition" is praised for its readability and approachability, making it a recommended textbook for undergraduate quantum mechanics courses.