# Selecting the Real Analysis Textbooks

I am a sophomore in US with double majors in mathematics and microbiology. I am interested in self-studying the real analysis starting now since it will help me on my current research on computational microbiology, prepare for upcoming math research (starting on this Fall) on the analytic number theory, and prepare for the real analysis course I will take on Fall and Putnam competition. I just finished "Calculus with Analytic Geometry" by G. Simmons, "How to Prove It" by Daniel Velleman, and "How to Solve It" by G. Polya. I also read some portions of Apostol's Calculu Vol.I to get a deeper view on the calculus theories. I was originally planned to read Apostol's Calculus Vol.I and Spivak's Calculus first, but I think it would be a better idea to start with real analysis since it covers all ideas in those "advanced calculus" textbooks and much more. My current plan is to start with one "dumbed-down" real analysis textbook and one "comprehensive, detailed, and intermediate" textbook, and advance into Rudin's PMA (required textbook for my real analysis course) starting on Summer and use it in accordance with other real analysis textbooks. Could you help me on selecting one book from each category?

Elementary Real Analysis textbooks: **Elementary Analysis: The Theory of Calculus (Kenneth Ross) **Understanding Analysis (Steven Abbott) **The Way of Analysis (Robert Strichartz) **Real Mathematical Analysis (Charles Pugh)

Intermediate, detailed Real Analysis textbooks: **Mathematical Analysis (Tom Apostol) **Undergraduate Analysis (Serge Lang) **Introduction to Real Analysis (Bartle, Sherbert) **Elements of Real Analysis (Bartle, Sherbert) **Mathematical Analysis I (Vladimir Zorich)

Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to your advice!

Sincerely, PK

• This ain't the physics forum, just so you know. – Mnifldz Mar 10 '15 at 20:22
• Pugh is "detailed" and not at all "dumbed down", and on the same level as Rudin - as indeed is Apostol (which is great, bordering on essential). – Calum Gilhooley Mar 10 '15 at 20:33
• I wouldn't say they're on the same level as Rudin...perhaps $\epsilon$ easier. ;) – Daniel W. Farlow Mar 10 '15 at 21:00
• I am thinking either Lang or Apostol since I understand them...are they on the same level as Ross, Strichartz, Pugh, and Abbott? – user205011 Mar 10 '15 at 21:24
• abbott and zorich... both are wonderful – Bhaskar Vashishth Feb 9 '16 at 20:26