Writing a new textbook on an established field is a challenge. It takes creativity and courage: the author must have something new and useful to say, the conviction that their approach is an improvement, and be ready to endure the critical examination of other experts in the field. Writing a new textbook on introductory physics is doubly challenging, since every professor has their own fiercely held beliefs about teaching, has their own pet topics that they want to see covered, and is in a position to spot the slightest mistake. One such new offering is Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Randall Knight. This innovative textbook should be considered for an introductory-level course for engineering students, but might be inappropriate for a course aimed at physics majors.
In order to explain this conclusion, I will first discuss the book from the perspective of a faculty member, incorporating my own experience...
