this book, "the first resource for mathematics" by hockney and eastwood, focuses on computer simulations using particle methods in numerical physics. it covers the simulation of plasmas and plasma-like media, detailing the principal steps of computer experiments, starting from physical phenomena. the book emphasizes computer testing of programs and provides detailed illustrations of methods in various fields such as plasma physics, astrophysics, semiconductor physics, and solid state physics. the book is structured into 12 chapters, each addressing different aspects of particle simulations, including computer experiments, one-dimensional plasma models, simulation programs, time integration schemes, particle-mesh force calculations, field equation solutions, collisionless particle models, particle-particle-particle-mesh algorithms, plasma simulation, semiconductor device simulation, astrophysics, and solids, liquids, and phase changes. the reviewer, a.pil'kevich, highlights the book's value as a comprehensive resource for numerical physics. the book is cited in one review and is indexed under mathematics subject classifications related to fluid mechanics, plasma physics, and statistical mechanics. keywords include plasmas, astrophysics, semiconductor physics, one-dimensional plasma models, time integration schemes, particle-mesh force calculations, collisionless particle models, and particle-particle-particle-mesh algorithms. the book is a valuable resource for researchers and students in the field of numerical physics and computational methods.this book, "the first resource for mathematics" by hockney and eastwood, focuses on computer simulations using particle methods in numerical physics. it covers the simulation of plasmas and plasma-like media, detailing the principal steps of computer experiments, starting from physical phenomena. the book emphasizes computer testing of programs and provides detailed illustrations of methods in various fields such as plasma physics, astrophysics, semiconductor physics, and solid state physics. the book is structured into 12 chapters, each addressing different aspects of particle simulations, including computer experiments, one-dimensional plasma models, simulation programs, time integration schemes, particle-mesh force calculations, field equation solutions, collisionless particle models, particle-particle-particle-mesh algorithms, plasma simulation, semiconductor device simulation, astrophysics, and solids, liquids, and phase changes. the reviewer, a.pil'kevich, highlights the book's value as a comprehensive resource for numerical physics. the book is cited in one review and is indexed under mathematics subject classifications related to fluid mechanics, plasma physics, and statistical mechanics. keywords include plasmas, astrophysics, semiconductor physics, one-dimensional plasma models, time integration schemes, particle-mesh force calculations, collisionless particle models, and particle-particle-particle-mesh algorithms. the book is a valuable resource for researchers and students in the field of numerical physics and computational methods.