motion of two bodies bound by the inverse-square force of gravity and electricity - is the Shaggy Steed of Physics, guiding the reader to an understanding of both the forces and the mathematical beauty hidden in the physical world. ... The second edition preserves the spirit of the original while deepening key topics." (Zentralblatt für Didaktik der Mathematik, January, 2005)
"This is the second edition of a very interesting little book first published in 1994. The author writes with considerable conviction, passion, and clarity on the topic of mechanics as the one major unifying theme ... . Overall, I regard this to be an excellent book, especially important for those in the community who would like to understand the big picture, the connections and the similarities between the major physical theories which describe our universe ... ." (J M Hill, The Physicist, Vol. 41 (5), September/October, 2004)
"Oliver's new edition ... of his intellectual history of mechanics and the transition from classical mechanics to quantum mechanics enhances the first edition in several areas. ... Oliver writes elegantly, almost to the point of being flowery. ... One delightful feature not often found in works of this type isthe inclusion of an appendix that contains brief technical biographies and portraits of the major contributors to the topic ... . Summing up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate and graduate students; professionals." (A. Spero, CHOICE, June, 2004)
