An accessible introductory textbook on general relativity, covering the theory's foundations, mathematical formalism and major applications.

This excellent textbook offers a unique take on relativity theory, setting it in its historical context. Ideal for those interested in relativity and the history of physics, the book contains a complete account of special relativity that begins with the historical analysis of the reasons that led to a change in our view of space and time. Its aim is to foster a deep understanding of relativistic spacetime and its consequences for Dynamics.

This text provides an account of various experiments, that demonstrate a simplified reality where space and time are relegated to their proper source – the observer. The principles of these experiments and theories originate from the ideas of Einstein, and this text aims to present this 'new' outlook without the need for extensive knowledge of mathematics, physics, or philosophy. This text will be of considerable use to those with a keen interest in physics, and would make for a great addition to any bookshelf. The chapters of this book include: 'The Fitzgerald Contraction', 'Relativity', 'The World of Four Dimensions', 'Fields of Force', 'Kinds of Space', 'The New Law of Gravitation and the Old Law', 'Weighing Light', 'Other Tests of The Theory', 'Momentum and Energy', etcetera. We are publishing this antiquarian book now in an affordable, modern edition - complete with a new biography of the author.

Hermann Minkowski recast special relativity as essentially a new geometric structure for spacetime. This book looks at the ideas of both Einstein and Minkowski, and then introduces the theory of frames, surfaces and intrinsic geometry, developing the main implications of Einstein's general relativity theory.

Einstein's theory of general relativity is a theory of gravity and, as in the earlier Newtonian theory, much can be learnt about the character of gravitation and its effects by investigating particular idealised examples. This book describes the basic solutions of Einstein's equations with a particular emphasis on what they mean, both geometrically and physically. Concepts such as big bang and big crunch-types of singularities, different kinds of horizons and gravitational waves, are described in the context of the particular space-times in which they naturally arise. These notions are initially introduced using the most simple and symmetric cases. Various important coordinate forms of each solution are presented, thus enabling the global structure of the corresponding space-time and its other properties to be analysed. The book is an invaluable resource both for graduate students and academic researchers working in gravitational physics.

This text provides a quantitative introduction to general relativity for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.

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