Relativity the Special and General Theory (Classic Reprint)

Einstein, Albert

ISBN 10: 1451002165 / ISBN 13: 9781451002164

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00071105852

Bibliographic Details

Title: Relativity the Special and General Theory (...

Publisher: Forgotten Books

Publication Date: 2018

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Good

Edition: 3rd Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

The work of a master, Relativity, the Special and the General Theory: A Popular Exposition, Volume One is Albert Einstein's own attempt to present his theories of relativity to non-physicists.

The book is composed of three parts. Part one presents the Special Theory of Relativity and the intimate connection of space and time (spacetime, or "ST"). Part two highlights the General Theory of Relativity, in which Einstein argues that space and time are not absolute and are modified by gravitational forces. In part three, Einstein applies these theories to a consideration of the universe as a whole, with specific discussion about Newton's Law and a sketch of the structure of space according to the General Theory of Relativity. The book frequently refers to an analogy involving a man on a train and a man on and embankment, to which Einstein applies his theories to present varying outcomes. These analogies greatly enhance the layperson's understanding.

Einstein's stated goal in Relativity, the Special and the General Theory was to "present the ideas in the simplest and most intelligible form," and in this regard he was largely successful. One does not need to have an understanding of the mathematical principles of theoretical physics in order to read this book. However, that is not to say this book is not a challenging read. The layman will likely find some of the passages quite dense, and the mathematical calculations that are presented may be difficult to follow. While this will not greatly impact one's surface level understanding of Einstein's theories, one's ability to fully grasp the theories presented will depend on their scientific and mathematical background.

Relativity, the Special and the General Theory is highly recommended. It is an important work by one of the world's great thinkers, and it presents complex theories in an accessible manner. This book is a worthy addition to anybody's library.

Review:

How better to learn the Special Theory of Relativity and the General Theory of Relativity than directly from their creator, Albert Einstein himself? In Relativity: The Special and the General Theory, Einstein describes the theories that made him famous, illuminating his case with numerous examples and a smattering of math (nothing more complex than high-school algebra). Einstein's book is not casual reading, but for those who appreciate his work without diving into the arcana of theoretical physics, Relativity will prove a stimulating read.