Griffith's book is a straight-forward and easy-to-follow introduction to particle physics. The book doesn't require the reader to have much background in particle physics, mostly just quantum mechanics and Lagrangian physics. Quantum field theory is definitely not necessary to learn from this book, although it'll probably be helpful.<br><br>The book focuses more on "how" rather than "why," so it's a great starting point for experimentalists. Griffith's writes in a very casual and simple style; you won't find much mathematical jargon here. I'd recommend this book over&nbsp;
  
Quarks and Leptons: An Introductory Course in Modern Particle Physics







  
  
    . Once you learn from this text the basics of the Standard Model and how to calculate amplitudes, cross-sections, decay rates, etc., you'll be ready to move on to more theoretical material (such as&nbsp;
  
Quarks and Leptons: An Introductory Course in Modern Particle Physics







  
  
    ) to answer the question of "why."