By N. David Mermin Space and Time in Special Relativity [Paperback]

by N. David Mermin

A classic of elementary relativistic pedagogy! This straight- forward book introduces readers to the conceptually tricky subject of relativity in understandable terms. The writing is crisp and clearly written by someone who is aware of the conceptual difficulties that nonscientists have in coming to grips with relativity.

Genres: Physics, Science, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Nathaniel David Mermin (born 1935) is a solid-state physicist at Cornell University best known for the eponymous Mermin–Wagner theorem, his application of the term "Boojum" to superfluidity, and for the quote "shut up and calculate!" (in the context of the interpretation of quantum mechanics).

In 1976, Neil Ashcroft and Mermin published a textbook on solid-state physics. As a proponent of Quantum Bayesianism, Mermin described the concept in Nature.

In 2003, the journal Foundations of Physics published a bibliography of Mermin’s writing that included three books, 125 technical articles, 18 pedagogical articles, 21 general articles, 34 book reviews, and 24 "Reference Frame" articles from Physics Today.

[from Wikipedia. check the original article also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_M...]

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first half and then skimmed the second half..and read the final chapter — but I thought the writer did a good just explaining, and reasoning mathematically on special relativity. He did not explain “why” it happens, but rather that it happens and goes over light speed, moving sticks, clocks, observers, and a good look at it. I thought the first half was good and the math was clear, and then it got less interesting for me after that - less about the writer and more about me 😆.

[Jom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The explanations are simply put and easy for many to understand. The book really gives you time to wrap your head around the ideas of Special Relativity while allowing you to follow through with the equations to see the thought process of physicists.

[dead letter office · Rating 4 out of 5]

the best introduction to special relativity i know of. doesn't require much more than high school algebra and the willingness to think hard.

[m · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not master this subject, though it all made sense at the time.