The Feynman Lectures on Physics

Richard Feynman (1918 – 1988) was an American theoretical physicist, who won the 1965 Nobel Prize for his contributions to the development of quantum electrodynamics. Feynman is also known for his work in the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, the physics of the superfluidity of supercooled liquid helium,and particle physics. In the early 1960s Feynmann gave a series of lectures to undergraduate students at Caltech which became extremely popular. The first 94 lectures cover a wide swath of basic physics, from Newtonian mechanics to electromagnetism, while the final 21 venture into quantum mechanics. Feynman's characteristic humor and peerless explanations elevate these classroom lessons to enduring classics.

The lectures were eventually turned into a book by Feynman, Robert B. Leighton, and Matthew Sands. The text went on to become arguably the most popular physics book ever written, selling more than 1.5 million copies in English, and getting translated into a dozen languages. These physics lectures, presented over two years at Caltech, are Feynman's precious gift to students at all levels.