Oxford University Press Classical Electrodynamics: From Fundamentals to Applications (Oxford Graduate Texts)

Classical Electrodynamics: From Fundamentals to Applications offers a modern, graduate-level introduction to electrodynamics built on a unified and conceptually coherent framework. In contrast to the traditional progression from electrostatics and magnetostatics toward relativity, this text adopts a top-down approach that begins with the structure of space-time, special relativity, tensor algebra, and the principle of stationary action. Within this framework, Maxwell's equations, conservation laws, and the dynamics of charged particles emerge naturally from fundamental principles, highlighting the central roles of symmetry and relativistic invariance. Designed for first-year graduate students in physics, the book develops both physical intuition and mathematical sophistication without assuming prior expertise beyond undergraduate physics. Topics such as Green's functions, Fourier transforms, conformal mappings, integral equations, perturbation methods, and special functions are developed through carefully chosen electrodynamics problems, enabling students to acquire advanced analytical tools in a natural and motivating context. After establishing the foundations of relativistic electrodynamics, the text covers a broad spectrum of applications, including electrostatics and magnetostatics in vacuum and matter, superconductivity and magnetic media, transport and screening phenomena, electromagnetic waves, diffraction, radiation, scattering, waveguides, resonators, transmission lines, plasmas, moving media, and selected topics in quantum electrodynamics. Numerous advanced subjects such as vector diffraction theory, anomalous skin effect, surface plasmon-polaritons, magnons, Cherenkov radiation, and Alfvén waves are presented within a unified theoretical framework. Combining rigorous theory, extensive applications, and a highly pedagogical presentation, Classical Electrodynamics: From Fundamentals to Applications is suitable as the primary text for a two-semester graduate course while also serving as a valuable reference for advanced students, researchers, and instructors seeking a deeper understanding of electromagnetic phenomena.