Understanding Energy: Energy, Entropy and Thermodynamics for Everyman

Although this book is purposefully written for the undergraduate students whose majors are not science and engineering, it is a little bit more advanced for non-technical students to comfortably read and understand and get a full appreciation of the subject matter. As a professional researcher, I know that several concepts and ideas in thermodynamics are quite difficult to understand, even for technical students. For a true beginner, I would suggest 'Engines, Energy, and Entropy: A Thermodynamics Primer' by John B. Fenn which is more fundamental, easier, and fun to read. In addition, a vintage like 'The Concept of Energy Simply Explained' by Morton Mott-Smith is also a joy to read. However, the comprehensiveness of Professor Berry's work, which covers classical mechanics, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics (at the very fundamental level), makes this volume a great extra reading for those taking thermodynamics course. This volume is also helpful for those who teach themselves thermodynamics and have mastered its fundamental concepts and ideas qualitatively. I would recommend this book to the readers who want to get more breadth and depth in thermodynamics before approaching a more advanced level. Doy Sundarasaradula August 7, 2009