I want to self-study Fourier Transforms followed by signal analysis and Wavelets.

Question

I am considering buying the books: "Fourier Analysis: An Introduction" and "A First Course in Fourier Analysis".

My question is, are these at my level or are they over my head? Are these books good choices or are there other subjects that I need to study first?

The titles of the books sound perfect, but glancing at the table of contents and the first few pages (on Amazon preview), these books look pretty advanced.

I currently am very comfortable with a standard 2-3 semester sequence of calculus, one semester of differential equations, linear algebra (including eigenvalues/vectors, vector spaces, basic fourier series, etc). I know all those subjects fairly well and am more than willling to review any areas that I am weak in.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Answer 1

I am not familiar with the two books you mentioned, as I learned Fourier analyis over 50 years ago. Judging by the knowledge of calculus, you should have no problem with the subject. The titles of the books indicate that they probably will provide a good introduction.

Usually Amazon provides reader reviews of books; sometimes they are written by people who are not impartial, but it's worth checking anyway.

Answer 2

This link should take you to six Amazon reviews of the first book. http://www.amazon.com/Fourier-Analysis-Introduction-Princeton-Lectures/product-reviews/069111384X/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Answer 3

Thanks so much for the response.

I ordered the books. I bought two books in case one isn't a good fit.

My main concern was that there is some other theoretical prerequisites that I'm not aware of that I should be studying before diving into Fourier analysis.

Thanks!