This text is an introduction to theoretical physics, providing necessary mathematical tools together with examples and worked problems. In introductory chapters, the reader becomes familiar with the hadron spectrum, while the SU(N) symmetry groups and the relativistic field theory are briefly recapitulated; then a discussion of scalar quantum electrodynamics and scattering reactions follow before gauge quark-quark interactions, pertubational QCD, renormalization groups, and tests of pertubational QCD are treated in detail. Chapters on non-pertubational QCD and quasi-phenomenological applications conclude the text.
From the reviews of the second edition:
"This is the second edition of the very successful book on quantum chromodynamics (QCD), which is part of an extensive series of textbooks by Greiner and co-authors. ... The second edition is clearly an advance on the first and continues to be a very useful advanced textbook." (C.A Hurst, Mathematical Reviews, 2003 k)
"This book is a thorough introduction to the perturbative and nonperturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) for advanced level graduate students in theoretical physics and scientists in high energy physics. It contains many worked-out exercises ... . In conclusion, this book constitutes an excellent theoretical reference book, reflecting very well the present situation and problems in the field ... ." (Laurent Favart, Physicalia, Vol. 25 (4), 2003)
From the reviews of the third edition:
"The book is well structured and delivers a self-contained introduction to quantum chromodynamics (QCD), while supplying the reader with ample information and references on how to enlarge his or her knowledge on specific topics. ... Overall, the book exhibits all the hallmarks that make this series of textbooks so valuable to students and scientists ... . The step-by-step exercises supply the reader with a most helpful tool to understand how to approach and devise a solution of a given problem in QCD." (Serban Misicu, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1147, 2008)