Reviews (8)

A good *first* start
This book is good for what it is, namely, something to get your feet wet.When learning the basics of particle physics, e.g. as an undergrad or a beginning experimentalist, this is the quickest way to get a feel for the standard model gauge group.
However, this is *not* a complete text on group theory in particle physics (and therefore, little of what you need for supersymmetric field theories and string theories).So in addition to this book, you'd need something else with an introduction to the other things you need for your particular interest.Try Gilmore's "Applications of Lie algebras...", which I believe is out of print (in libraries).Also, Cornwell's abridged "Group theory in physics" is good (though if you can find the older set of three volumes, that may be more suited to your desires).
I don't suggest many of the other books on group theory for particles/fields/strings.There are tidbits of group theory you can pick up in the particular text you are working with, e.g. "Quantum theory of Fields" by Weinberg if you are learning quantum field theory.
For mathematical physics in general, I strongly suggest "Gauge fields, knots, and gravity" (John Baez), "Differential Geometry for physicists" (Chris Isham), and "Mathematical Physics" (Geroch).

What do you need more?
I'd say that, at least, the Georgi's book is too underestimated here.

I agree that this book lacks some notions and concepts which are usually dealt with in the matmatical literature, but not on logical clearity. Every book has its own way. For example the later parts of Green, Schwarz and Witten are also a mere sketches but it sufficiently pinpoints every important steps. A physically inclined reader(?), soon realize that it is filled with (and you may feel the leakage of) the master's intuition. You can see what mathematics going on beneath the physics. It is a well-framed series of informal lectures which reveals some space-between-lines secret.

good supplement
good supplement of introductory quantum field theory. particle physics books often have aggressiveness but this is in a relaxed mood, apt for reading in fine sunday mornings. 27 chapters in 300 pages, short chapters, without one for manifold and topology. from this book you can't get a mathematically deep understanding of Lie algebra nor exotic viewpoint for particle/string, but that's not this is for. i hope someday this will be included in Dover classics.

Isbn: 0521560012
Sales Rank: 2288660
Subjects:  1. Algebra - Linear    2. Lie Groups    3. Lie algebras    4. Mathematical Physics    5. Physics    6. Representations of groups    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Symmetry (Physics)    10. Linear algebra    11. Science / Mathematical Physics    12. Theoretical methods   

Reviews (2)

A great introduction to supersymmetry and string theory
Bailin & Love is a really great book to begin learning supersymmetry from. I read this book while simultaneously reading the first few chapters of Wess & Bagger's susy and sugra text. Much of the detailed calculation and attention to details is missing in B&L and can be found in more sophisticated texts (such as Wess & Bagger and the Weinberg text). I found B&L a good place for wordy explanations which are sorely lacking in W&B. B&L also does a good job of connecting susy to phenomenology by introducing the minimally supersymmetric standard model. The susy in B&L is done in four-component notation to make it more familiar with QED and electroweak calculations. On top of this, all of the calculations are done with component fields; superfields are used only for organization. No formalism of supergraphs is used. Supergravity is also introduced, once again in a more wordy fashion than W&B. Apparently, much of the susy phenomenology is similar to the "Supersymmetry Primer" article by Stephen Martin....

String theory in Bailin & Love is done in a similar fashion as the susy: lots of words without the messy calculation.B&L don't bother with conformal field theory at all and use basically the "old covariant quantization". Once again though, B&L is a great thing to be reading as a companion to Green Schwarz Witten or as a companion to Polchinski.

In the end, Bailin & Love is a great place to begin learning about supersymmetry and string theory. I read it after a year of quantum field theory and found it very quick and easy to read. Bailin & Love does a good job of getting the reader in a good position to read the more advanced texts (Wess & Bagger, Weinberg for susy and GSW and Polchinski for strings). Unfortunately, there are many typos in the equations. Corrections can be found at the author's page ...