The Quantum Theory of Radiation: Third Edition (Dover Books on Physics)

Much of the original theory development for quantum mechanics (as we know it today) took place between 1900 and 1940, so references from that period take very little for granted in terms of the background that the reader needs. They also show how the original geniuses grappled with, and created the mathematical foundations of, the bizarre concepts in quantum theory. As with any textbook on the subject, having some background is definitely recommended as well as remembering three things: (1) there are many representations for the same thing, (2) very little of the math corresponds to anything we can measure or experience and (3) our understanding is still incomplete. That said, this book does a great job balancing derivations that demonstrate the formalism and conclusions that are general enough to be useful. In particular, I liked the handling of first vs. second quantization and radiation reaction. Get this book if you're serious about learning quantum mechanics (QM). It was valuable even after 2 years of undergrad study and 4 years of graduate study in QM in my case.

Classic reference for those working in plasma or atomic physics.

To be honest, I am trying to learn formal QED, and this text is 'feeding' well. Heitler comes up with the goods..you feel you have actually covered some topic-(rather than some 'lite' or cryptic version). Having said that modern criticisms would be the usage of 'old' vector operations notation (minor taste criticism-you get used to the use of '[ , ]' for vector products for example); and also omission of 'Feynman diagrams'. However the additional material (to the 1934 edition) published in this reprinted 1954 edition gives reference to Feynman and Schwingers work prior to this date.For THE treatment of quantum bremsstrahlung theory (first approximation), here is the most oft quoted reference (with maybe an option on Kramers 1923 'Bohrian' quantum paper)and arguably the most relevant. A must if only for this. Like most books written around this time in Dovers catalogue, it is well written, readable, and precise in the analysis- skipping math steps where truly reasonable. A gold mine for those of us trying to get to grips with the subject of the title.

Heitler gives a clear, concise and accurate account of the interaction of charged particles and the electromagnetic field.This 3rd edition was published in 1953 but it is still one of the best accounts of the subject.