Electric Machinery is one of those rare engineering textbooks that has stood the test of time. Widely used in electrical engineering programs, this book is considered a foundational guide for understanding machines that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy—and vice versa.
Whether you’re a student struggling to grasp transformers, motors, and generators, or a practicing engineer looking to refresh core concepts, Electric Machinery has likely crossed your path.
What makes this book so popular is its clear explanations, strong theoretical grounding, and practical relevance. It doesn’t just throw equations at you—it explains why machines behave the way they do. In this review, you’ll find a concise overview, key takeaways, pros and cons, and where to buy the book online. Keep reading to see if Electric Machinery deserves a place on your bookshelf.
Table of Contents
About the Book
Electric Machinery is a technical engineering textbook focused on the principles, analysis, and operation of electrical machines. The book primarily covers:
- Transformers
- DC machines
- Synchronous machines
- Induction motors
- Electromechanical energy conversion
It is written for undergraduate and graduate electrical engineering students, but it’s equally useful for diploma holders, instructors, and working professionals in power systems, automation, and industrial maintenance.
The book balances theory and application, making heavy mathematical concepts easier to understand through diagrams, examples, and step-by-step derivations. Many universities worldwide recommend it as a core reference for courses on electrical machines.
About the Author
The most widely recognized edition of Electric Machinery is authored by A. E. Fitzgerald, Charles Kingsley Jr., and Stephen D. Umans—all highly respected figures in electrical engineering education.
- A. E. Fitzgerald was known for his contributions to power engineering education.
- Charles Kingsley Jr. specialized in electrical machinery and control systems.
- Stephen D. Umans, a former MIT professor, brought academic rigor and clarity to later editions.
Together, their combined academic and industry experience gives this book strong credibility and long-term relevance. You can explore reader discussions and editions on Goodreads for additional context.
Summary / Key Takeaways
Here are the core lessons readers gain from Electric Machinery—without any spoilers or unnecessary complexity:
- Explains the fundamentals of electromechanical energy conversion in a logical, structured way
- Breaks down complex machines like transformers, induction motors, and synchronous machines
- Connects mathematical models with real-world machine behavior
- Provides strong conceptual grounding useful for exams, interviews, and industry work
- Emphasizes efficiency, losses, and performance characteristics of machines
What Readers Liked
Readers across generations consistently praise Electric Machinery for several reasons:
- Conceptual clarity – Difficult topics are explained step by step
- Excellent diagrams and illustrations that aid visualization
- Depth without unnecessary fluff, making it suitable as a long-term reference
- Strong focus on fundamentals, not just exam-oriented shortcuts
- Widely accepted in universities, making it a trusted standard textbook
Many students say this is the book that finally made electrical machines “click” for them.
What Could Be Better
No textbook is perfect, and some readers point out minor limitations:
- The writing style can feel academic and dense for absolute beginners
- Fewer modern case studies related to EVs or renewable energy systems
- Requires basic knowledge of mathematics and circuit theory to fully appreciate
That said, these are common traits of most core engineering textbooks and don’t significantly reduce its value.
Why You Should Read It
If you are serious about understanding electrical machines—not just memorizing formulas—this book is worth your time. Electric Machinery builds a strong conceptual foundation, which is essential for:
- University exams and competitive engineering tests
- Careers in power plants, manufacturing, automation, and maintenance
- Advanced studies in power systems and electric drives
Buy This Book
If you’re ready to add this classic to your collection, you can purchase it online here:
About the Author
