A lucid, short introduction to quantum field theory that brings readers quickly to the point where they can study advanced treatises and original papers. The major areas of study include the basic formalism of quantum field theory; perturbation theory calculations using Feynman rules; and an introduction to gauge theories. Mathematical formalism is used only to clarify the material and is developed from first principles stressing physical interpretation and detailed applications.
Easy introduction to the subject covering canonical quantization, Feynman rules, and gauge theories. It covers the conceptual basics lucidly, but there’s virtually no development of techniques necessary for actually calculating stuff. No functional methods, QCD, or instructions on how to field dress a buck. So, not stand-alone for aspiring particle physicists but recommended for people who only need to pretend to understand QFT, like cosmologists. Pairs well with Ryder.