Universitext Lectures on Partial Differential Equations, (Paperback)

This richly illustrated text covers the Cauchy and Neumann problems for the classical linear equations of mathematical physics, especially Laplace's equation and the wave equation. Physical intuition is emphasized. A large number of problems are sprinkled throughout the book, and a full set of problems from examinations given in Moscow are included at the end. Some of these problems are quite challenging! What makes the book unique is Arnold's particular talent at holding a topic up for examination from a new and fresh perspective. He likes to blow away the fog of generality that obscures so much mathematical writing and reveal the essentially simple intuitive ideas underlying the subject. No other mathematical writer does this quite so well as Arnold.