Earl D. Rainville (1907–1966)

This book was, I believe, at one time used as a text fairly widely in DE courses intended for engineers. The book is targeted at those who will be solving DEs, as opposed to those who are studying DEs as a topic in themselves. In the 2nd edition 7th printing, there are very many problems with solutions. The exposition is excellent for a person learning by him or herself; you can follow the math in your head without much trouble. The problem sets come at about the right interval within the presentation.

To read this, one should be reasonably comfortable with the basic techniques of differentiation and integration of the usual functions, including trig functions such as arctan. His examples are good illustrations of both the aspect of DEs that he is discussing, and some substitutions and operations that are valuable general tools as well.

For myself, wishing to regain the use of DEs after a long interval, the book has been very helpful.… (more)