I bought this book because it was on the list of "recommended" books on the syllabus for 8.022 (hard version of first semester E&amp;M) at MIT. If it weren't for the fact that it doesn't constitute a textbook for E&amp;M, I'd have it on the "required" list. Thus, if you want to know whether or not you absolutely need this book, the answer is no. However, this book will prove indispensable if you need help with the general concepts. Furthermore, regardless of how brilliant you are, if you are a scholar, you WILL have this book on your shelf. It's that marvelous.<br><br>I think it's important to note that this book is short and concise. I already said it isn't a textbook for E&amp;M; well, it's also not a textbook for vector calculus. DO NOT attempt to teach yourself either of these subjects with this book only. You will be frustrated xor mislead. Read parts of this book as an epilogue to the corresponding sections of your real textbook, NOT an introduction. You may also benefit from reading each section in the hours following the lecture on the corresponding subject. This will solidify your memory, priorities, and understanding. And it is the quickest way of doing so, considering that the alternatives to accomplish the same goal are:<br><br>1) watch the lecture again online<br>2) reading the textbook<br>3) reading or copying your notes<br><br>In conclusion, a) nothing substitutes for doing practice problems, and b) every physicist owes H.M. Schey a huge debt of gratitude.