Flat and Curved Space-Times

An explanation of special relativity and the foundations of general relativity theory from a geometric viewpoint. Space-time geometry is emphasised throughout, and provides the basis of understanding of the Special Relativity effects of time-dilation, length contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity. Bondi's k-calculus is introduced as a simple means of calculating the magnitudes of these effects, and leads to a derivation of the Lorentz Transformation as a way of unifying these results. The Invariant interval of flat space-time is generalised to that of curved space-times, and leads to an understanding of the basic properties of simple cosmological models and of the collapse of a star to form a black hole. Appendices enable the advanced student to master the application of 4 tensors to the relativistic study of energy and momentum, and of electromagnetism.

"One of the best ways to illustrate the concepts arising in special and general relativity is through the use of skillfully drawn space-time diagrams . . . . This volume makes elegant use of this technique to present some of the key ideas of relativity physics without assuming a mathematical sophistication beyond high school algebra and trigonometry . . . Would make an excellent text for an elementary course or college seminar." --American Scientist "Does an excellent job of making complicated ideas seem simple. . . . It is lavishly illustrated and informally presented. It gives a sound introduction to relativity, black holes and cosmology, and it can teach mathematicians a thing or two." --New Science "This textbook, developed from lectures given by Ellis, presents the special and general theories of relativity for the reader with an introductory college physics, algebra, and trigonometry background.... The book's strength is its reliance on a geometrical view of space-time that conveys concepts without obscuring them in mathematics or words.... an excellent textbook for a college-level introduction to the physics of space-time." --Science Books and Films "A remarkable introduction to the ideas of both special and general relativity.... The stated aim of the book is to enable the reader to understand a theory which is of fundamental importance in a modern description of the nature of the physical world. This goal has clearly been reached." --Mathematical Reviews "One of the best ways to illustrate the concepts arising in special and general relativity is through the use of skillfully drawn space-time diagrams . . . . This volume makes elegant use of this technique to present some of the key ideas of relativity physics without assuming a mathematical sophistication beyond high school algebra and trigonometry . . . Would make an excellent text for an elementary course or college seminar." --American Scientist "Does an excellent job of making complicated ideas seem simple. . . . It is lavishly illustrated and informally presented. It gives a sound introduction to relativity, black holes and cosmology, and it can teach mathematicians a thing or two." --New Science "This textbook, developed from lectures given by Ellis, presents the special and general theories of relativity for the reader with an introductory college physics, algebra, and trigonometry background.... The book's strength is its reliance on a geometrical view of space-time that conveys concepts without obscuring them in mathematics or words.... an excellent textbook for a college-level introduction to the physics of space-time." --Science Books and Films "A remarkable introduction to the ideas of both special and general relativity.... The stated aim of the book is to enable the reader to understand a theory which is of fundamental importance in a modern description of the nature of the physical world. This goal has clearly been reached." --Mathematical Reviews "One of the best ways to illustrate the concepts arising in special and general relativity is through the use of skillfully drawn space-time diagrams . . . . This volume makes elegant use of this technique to present some of the key ideas of relativity physics without assuming a mathematical sophistication beyond high school algebra and trigonometry . . . Would make an excellent text for an elementary course or college seminar." --American Scientist "Does an excellent job of making complicated ideas seem simple. . . . It is lavishly illustrated and informally presented. It gives a sound introduction to relativity, black holes and cosmology, and it can teach mathematicians a thing or two." --New Science "This textbook, developed from lectures given by Ellis, presents the special and general theories of relativity for the reader with an introductory college physics, algebra, and trigonometry background.... The book's strength is its reliance on a geometrical view of space-time that conveys concepts without obscuring them in mathematics or words.... an excellent textbook for a college-level introduction to the physics of space-time." --Science Books and Films "A remarkable introduction to the ideas of both special and general relativity.... The stated aim of the book is to enable the reader to understand a theory which is of fundamental importance in a modern description of the nature of the physical world. This goal has clearly been reached." --Mathematical Reviews "One of the best ways to illustrate the concepts arising in special and general relativity is through the use of skillfully drawn space-time diagrams . . . . This volume makes elegant use of this technique to present some of the key ideas of relativity physics without assuming a mathematical sophistication beyond high school algebra and trigonometry . . . Would make an excellent text for an elementary course or college seminar." --American Scientist "Does an excellent job of making complicated ideas seem simple. . . . It is lavishly illustrated and informally presented. It gives a sound introduction to relativity, black holes and cosmology, and it can teach mathematicians a thing or two." --New Science "This textbook, developed from lectures given by Ellis, presents the special and general theories of relativity for the reader with an introductory college physics, algebra, and trigonometry background.... The book's strength is its reliance on a geometrical view of space-time that conveys concepts without obscuring them in mathematics or words.... an excellent textbook for a college-level introduction to the physics of space-time." --Science Books and Films "A remarkable introduction to the ideas of both special and general relativity.... The stated aim of the book is to enable the reader to understand a theory which is of fundamental importance in a modern description of the nature of the physical world. This goal has clearly been reached." --Mathematical Reviews