From microphysics to macrophysics. Methods and applications of statistical physics. II. Translated from the French by D. ter Haar. (Q859724)

This book is the second volume (unfortunately we have not be able to read the first volume) of the basic course in statistical physics at the French Ecole Polytechnique school. Despite that it is intended to students with a strong background in mathematics, the author has rather selected to work with the point of view of physics for applications, avoiding too much mathematical expansions. The book focuses on the main common principles underlying various laws, and for instance the maximum entropy principle is transparent everywhere. The text covers the essential of statistical physics and its applications, and in this way, the main considered topics are successively Quantum gases, Solid state theory, Liquid helium, Equilibrium and radiation transport, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and Kinetic equations. There are many exercises and problems with hints for solution. Despite the book is written by a French author (who is possibly a Descartes's pupil), the text has been considerably adapted to fill in with North-American universities. For 53 euros, that is to say two meals in standard restaurants, it is a bargain.