Introducing Einstein's Relativity: A Deeper Understanding

by Ray d'Inverno, James Vickers

There is little doubt that Einstein's theory of relativity captures the imagination. Not only has it radically altered the way we view the universe, but the theory also has a considerable number of surprises in store. This is especially so in the three main topics of current interest that this book reaches, black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmology.

The main aim of this textbook is to provide students with a sound mathematical introduction coupled to an understanding of the physical insights needed to explore the subject. Indeed, the book follows Einstein in that it introduces the theory very much from a physical point of view. After introducing the special theory of relativity, the basic field equations of gravitation are derived and discussed carefully as a prelude to first solving them in simple cases and then exploring the three main areas of application.

This new edition contains a substantial extension content that considers new and updated developments in the field. Topics include coverage of the advancement of observational cosmology, the detection of gravitational waves from colliding black holes and neutron stars, and advancements in modern cosmology.

Einstein's theory of relativity is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of the human mind. Yet, in this book, the author makes it possible for students with a wide range of abilities to deal confidently with the subject. Based on both authors' experience teaching the subject this is achieved by breaking down the main arguments into a series of simple logical steps. Full details are provided in the text and the numerous exercises while additional insight is provided through the numerous diagrams. As a result this book makes an excellent course for any reader coming to the subject for the first time while providing a thorough understanding for any student wanting to go on to study the subject in depth

Genres: Physics, Science

624 pages, Hardcover

First published June 18, 1992

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where have ya been all my life...what a great intro book. This is a great place to start your studies of GR.

[meadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is ok but schutz's book is better. it does a pretty bad job of introducing tensors, i think. some of the exercises are good but there are too many that are very routine. i only read the first 150 or 200 pages though, so i guess keep that in mind.

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit outdated on the final chapters about Cosmology, but other than that found it a great introduction to tensorial calculus and general relativity. It does tend to give up on the exercises a bit toward the later chapters and just makes you do all the calculations that were skipped in the text.

[José Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a pretty good book. I disliked a bit th.e notation, but as a first approach, is perfect

[Mohamed · Rating 3 out of 5]

My version of book was better than online pdf version available which have a problems in printing

This was the main book (theoretically) for my GR class but it is good for my for introducing k-calculus which I found it very intuitive way for constructing special relativity theory

But this was from books which leaves most work in derivations for you and this is the most thing i hate for a textbook.

Also hobson book is more useful and the problems is clearer there

[Matt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Solid textbook, just caused me lots of stress

[Amirhossein · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a nice book which covers most of the important subjects in GR & Cosmology, the only problem is that lots of the equations are left to the reader to derive them in exercises.

[Lulu]

General relativity — for when you get serious