Relatively Speaking

by Eric Chaisson, Lola Judith Chaisson (Drawings)

"Beginning with a clear, nontechnical discussion of both the ‘special’ and ‘general’ theories of relativity, astrophysicist Chaisson explores their theoretical and experimental bases and what these say about the origin and structure of the universe. He examines very large issues: cosmological foundations of the universe, the various ‘models’ of the universe, and black holes….An integrated, coherent discussion. Lively, readable, and informed." ― Library Journal This book is based upon a series of lectures delivered during the past decade to nontechnical audiences at Harvard University. As in the lectures, Eric Chaisson aims here to share the fundamentals of relativity theory, as well as some of its cosmological and black-hole applications, with anyone having an abiding curiosity about the nature of our world.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Krzysztof Kot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, clear explanation of a pretty heavy concept. No heavy maths but big on diagrams and analogies. Not quite a university course but the first time I've felt I've come close to understanding what everybody's been banging on about this whole time.

Just the first half of the book covers the move from Newtonian physics to both cases of relativity, a history on Einstein the man, gravitational lensing, gravitational red-shift, time dilation and space-time.

Do be wary, it was written in '88 so has some outdated concepts like gravity waves making a brief appearance.

The last half of the book delves into theories of space time curvature and the relation to astrophysics. The understanding of black holes in '88 is covered as well as some theories on the open vs. closed universe. String theory is touched upon as well and noted as "gaining favour".

Well written and interesting even if the last sections would be better served by an updated text. Probably a good primer for a brief history of time (which I confess I still have to read).

[Ishan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatively Speaking is a very well written introduction to modern physics. Eric Chaisson sets the scene with a description of Newtonian physics and described the paradoxes being faced by physicists in the early 20th century. He then goes on to describe Einstein's theories. This is an easy read with vivid visuals and great analogies. I would highly recommend this book to scientists and non-scientists alike!

[Remo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Espectacular introducción a la Relatividad General de Einstein. Con varios trozos biográficos, el autor introduce la materia y no sólo la hace entretenida: logra que tome tintes épicos. Descubrir los secretos del Universo, nada menos. Como estudiante de primero de ingeniería con vocación de físico, este fue uno de los libros que me animó a cambiar de carrera. Espectacular. Impresionante.