This page contains material directed at physics students and teachers. Feedback is appreciated: positive, negative or more links. (sgupta at tifr.res.in)
Introduction to particle physics and quarks
Books
The textbook Introduction to High Energy Physics by is considered to be a classic introduction to the field (2000, Cambridge Univ Press). An equal alternative is the book Introduction to Elementary Particles by (1987, Wiley). Couple one of these with introductory books on quantum field theory such as Quantum Field Theory by (2001, Cambridge Univ Press) or Gauge Theories in Particle Physics by and you are doing well.
Introduction to strong interactions and QCD
Books
The textbook Quantum Chromodynamics by (1994, Springer Verlag) is often preferred by students as the least painful introduction to this subject. However, it may be good to supplement this by an authoritative book such as An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory by (1995, Addison-Wesley). Applications of field theory to particle physics is well done in Quarks and Leptons: an Introduction to Modern Particle Physics by (1984, John Wiley).
Supplementary Material
The Nobel prize for physics in 2004 was given to Frank Wilczek, H. David Politzer and David Gross for the modern theory of strong interactions which is called Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). Their Nobel lectures (W, P, G) may be interesting. An article in the AAPPS Bulletin (Jan 2005) by Akira Ukawa (Tsukuba, Japan) puts this prize in perspective. A talk (powerpoint) (Jan 2005) may help in filling in some of the background.
Introduction to lattice gauge theory
Books
The slim monograph Quarks, Gluons and Lattices by Michael Creutz (1985, Cambridge University Press) is a classic. It introduces lattice gauge theory as it was in the initial days. A comprehensive modern text book is Quantum Fields on a Lattice by Istvan Montvay and Gernot Munster (1994, Cambridge University Press). This is highly recommended. Lattice Gauge Theories: an introduction by Heinz Rothe (1998, World Scientific) is not nearly as comprehensive, but could be a quicker read.
Supplementary Material
An article in Physics Today (Aug 2000) by Frank Wilczek (MIT, USA) introduces "Quantum Chromodynamics" (QCD) and outlines the major open problems in this field. It sets into perspective the role of lattice gauge theory in solving these problems.
Reminiscences by Michael Creutz (Brookhaven Lab, USA) about the early days of lattice gauge theory, in a recent article (dated Jul 2003: pdf | ps) also explains why this technique is needed.
If you have some acquaintance with quantum field theory then you could look at the slides (dated Nov 2003: pdf | ps) of a colloquium by Michael Creutz (Brookhaven Lab, USA) on lattice gauge theory.
Lattice gauge theory today
An article in the AAPPS Bulletin (Jan 2005) by Akira Ukawa (Tsukuba, Japan) gives an overview of the status of lattice gauge theory today.
An article in Physics Today (Feb 2004) by Carleton DeTar (Utah, USA) and Steven Gottlieb (Indiana, USA) gives an overview of the status of lattice gauge theory at that date. There is also an alternative view by Herbert Neuberger (Rutgers, USA) (dated Nov 2003: pdf | ps).