The Theory of the Top. Volume I: Introduction to the Kinematics and Kinetics of the Top: 1 - Hardcover

"This book is a translation by Raymond J. Nagem and Guido Sandri of the German original [F. Klein and A. Sommerfeld, Über die Theorie des Kreisels. Heft I, Teubner, Leipzig, 1897; JFM 28.0658.04]. Various editions of this book, which presents fundamental results in the theory of the motion of the top, have appeared in German...This English translation is of great scientific interest and importance. The content and sequence of exposition of this book faithfully follow the original work...The translators' remarks are presented separately and are intended to ensure an accurate account of the historical development of the theory of the top. This translation is of a high scientific caliber and makes one look forward to the translation of the second volume by Nagem and Sandri."   ―Mathematical Reviews

"It is very positive that, by producing the English edition of this book, a large group of contemporary scientists and especially mathematicians can admire and appreciate what a broad understanding mathematicians like Felix Klein, not only of their field but also of physics, had. Very interesting ample notes of the translators (about 50 pages), where also various motions are worked out, physically interpreted and excellently illustrated by numerous figures, and a nice preface by Michael Eckert make this volume even more interesting to read than the German original."   ―Zentralblatt MATH

The lecture series on the Theory of the Top was originally given as a dedication to Göttingen University by Felix Klein in 1895, but has since found broader appeal. The Theory of the Top: Volume I. Introduction to the Kinematics and Kinetics of the Top is the first of a series of four self-contained English translations that provide insights into kinetic theory and kinematics.