Synopsis:
There is little doubt that Einstein's theory of relativity captures the imagination. It is unrivalled in forming the basis of the way we view the universe and the many surprises that the theory has in store - the characteristics of black holes, the prospect of detecting gravitational waves, and the sheer scope and profundity of current cosmology excite all students of relativity. The 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. The book follows Einstein in that it introduces the basic field equations by discussing the relativistic theory of gravitation from a physics point of view, and the structure on the resulting equations is discussed carefully before going on to their solution in simple settings. The book is designed with two objectives: to familiarize students with the basic ideas and equations of the theory, and to cover three main topics: black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmology. Throughout, the author has included numerous exercises (of varying degrees of difficulty) to illustrate and extend the ideas covered. As a result, this book will make an excellent first course for any student coming to the subject for the first time.
Review:
`Ray d'Inverno's Introducing Einstein's Relativity seems to have done a wonderful job of taming what many undergraduates consider a ferocious course. The book has a large, reader-friendly format, with a lot of illustrations. Important equations are highlighted in boxes and the reader does not have to wade through an undifferentiated mass of tensor calculus.'New Scientist
'The visually stunning dust jacket cloaks exceptionally well-presented text and figures, making reading irresistible. This is a fine book which I have added to the recommended bibliography for my courses; colleagues at other universities are advised not to overlook it.'Times Higher Education Supplement
'This book is designed to explain the theory in terms which many students will find easier to digest.'Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 58, No. 1, January 1993
'a highly accessible undergraduate text book packaged in a reader-friendly style ... a comprehensive and accessible book'Felicity Mellor, The Observatory, Vol. 113, No. 1114
'a very readable and well illustrated treatment of general relativity, gravitational waves, black holes and cosmology'Australian & New Zealand Physicist, Volume 30, Number 3, March 1993
'The great experience of teaching Relativity is reflected by an excellent presentation of the material in the book ... It is a highly recommended introduction to the mathematical foundations as well as physical ideas underlying Einstein's Relativity. The text is concise and clear but nevertheless of a high level. The author has succeeded in writing a beautiful self-contained text ... very useful for students and graduates who want to become familiar with Einstein's theory of Relativity ... it can be unreservedly recommended as a good tool for preparing examinations in relativity. In all respects it is a pleasure to read this distinguished textbook.'D. Kramer, Class. Quantum Grav. 11 (1994)
'an intuitive and motivating presentation with mathematical precision where the latter is needed ... Extremely helpful are more than 200 figures, illustrating subjects which in many cases are difficult to imagine ... this book is one of the best pedagogical approaches to introduce general relativity and to present a connection to more advanced topics in this field. Hence it is highly recommendable for every student or teacher interested in this subject.'Bernd Wegner, Mathematics Abstracts, 774/93
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