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So, I know that there are a lot of questions about good books on quantum mechanics and I have read each one of them, and I go on and bought Griffiths' Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. But the fact is that it did not build me a very good intuition as it emphasized the computational part of it.

So, I want a book that emphasizes on both intuition and mathematical rigor in the same way.
I am thinking about the books of Dirac, Shankar, Zettili, Landau and Claude Cohen-Tannoudji (with Frank Laboe).

So what are your opinions about them and which one strikes the balance on intuition and mathematical rigor?

If you know other books that emphasize on both, tell me.

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    $\begingroup$ It is my humble opinion that pretty much the only way to develop intuition in QM (if there even is such a thing) is by practicing the math. $\endgroup$
    – Javier
    Commented May 23, 2015 at 14:23
  • $\begingroup$ Well,i do not think that it is the only way and certainly not the most complete way.Some books graphs and images and are a bit more talky than say Griffith's book,and that builds more intuition $\endgroup$
    – TheQuantumMan
    Commented May 23, 2015 at 14:26
  • $\begingroup$ Hi Landos Adam, resource recommendations question are restricted on Phys.SE, so I'm closing this as a duplicate even if it ain't an exact duplicate. $\endgroup$
    – Qmechanic ♦
    Commented May 23, 2015 at 14:56
  • $\begingroup$ @LandosAdam I agree with you 100% that intuition is helpful (but only sometimes) and I personally find it difficult to stop trying to get an intuitive picture, even though it does hold up practicing the math and mostly leads me the down the wrong direction. $\endgroup$
    – user81619
    Commented May 23, 2015 at 15:20
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    $\begingroup$ @LandosAdam Not really, but I started QM with it gives you great insight and feel for the subject. $\endgroup$
    – user29978
    Commented Nov 19, 2015 at 14:30

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The only book that I know can help build you intuition is "Lectures on Quantum Mechanics" by Weinberg.

Weinberg's book is used to give a course in Advanced QM. It should not be your first read on the subject. The book is quite enlightening because it sheds lights on details that most QM books jump over without explaining the intuition or at least the physics behind them.

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  • $\begingroup$ This is not really the level of detail we look for in resource-recommendation questions. Please provide more information about the book's content and level. $\endgroup$
    – Emilio Pisanty
    Commented May 23, 2015 at 14:47
  • $\begingroup$ Well,i will try to build intuition from the get-go.I want to know what happens from the starting point rather than just doing maths.. $\endgroup$
    – TheQuantumMan
    Commented May 23, 2015 at 15:55
  • $\begingroup$ Do you have anything else in mind that is for beginners? $\endgroup$
    – TheQuantumMan
    Commented May 23, 2015 at 15:56
  • $\begingroup$ As far as my experience is concerned, you will always find QM shocking at the beginning. This you should know. If you have time and you are not rushing into this, I suggest that you start with this book eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP002383.html and then you read Weinberg's. $\endgroup$
    – Beyond-formulas
    Commented May 23, 2015 at 16:02
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    $\begingroup$ It is a good book and yes, it gives necessary intuition. Now, that is exactly why I stress on the fact that you back it up with Weinberg's great book! I have read many QM books, but in order to achieve what you want, in my opinion, it is a 2-phase adventure. 1) Zettili to get a flavour of what is what and a relatively good book (it also has solved problems in it that are very helpful) 2) Weinberg to put the cherry on the top. $\endgroup$
    – Beyond-formulas
    Commented May 23, 2015 at 19:49

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