Relativity - The Special And General Theory

The Nobel Prize-winning scientist's presentation of his landmark theory According to Einstein himself, this book is intended "to give an exact insight into the theory of Relativity to those readers who, from a general scientific and philosophical point of view, are interested in the theory, but who are not conversant with the mathematical apparatus of theoretical physics." When he wrote the book in 1916, Einstein's name was scarcely known outside the physics institutes. Having just completed his masterpiece, "The General Theory of Relativity" -- which provided a brand-new theory of gravity and promised a new perspective on the cosmos as a whole -- he set out at once to share his excitement with as wide a public as possible in this popular and accessible book.

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Time's 'Man of the Century', Albert Einstein is the unquestioned founder of modern physics. His theory of relativity is the most important scientific idea of the modern era. In this short book Einstein explains, using the minimum of mathematical terms, the basic ideas and principles of the theory which has shaped the world we live in today. Unsurpassed by any subsequent books on relativity, this remains the most popular and useful exposition of Einstein's immense contribution to human knowledge.

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Relativity is the most important scientific idea of the twentieth century. Albert Einstein is the unquestioned founder of modern physics. His Special and General theories of Relativity introduced the idea to the world. In this classic short book he explains clearly, using the minimum amount of mathematical terms, the basic ideas and principles of his theory of Relativity.Unsurpassed by any subsequent books on Relativity, this remains the most popular and useful exposition of Einstein's immense contribution to human knowledge.

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Translated by Robert W. Lawson

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Albert Einsteins classic guide to the theory of relativitywith insights from todays leading experts This new edition of "Relativity"the first updated version in over fifty yearsincludes a wealth of original material written by some of todays foremost scientific authorities. Bestselling author and physicist Roger Penrose puts Einsteins work in historical context and details major developments in relativity theory over subsequent years. Relativity expert Robert Geroch provides commentary on key aspects of the special and general theories; and historian David Cassidy explores the profound impact of Einsteins ideas on our culture at large. Now, over ninety years after its first publication, this definitive edition brings a classic text into the new millennium. BACKCOVER: The additions to the original text give considerable insight and are a valuable addition, particularly for anyone approaching the subject for the first time. "Choice" Its as though you are sitting in his classroom, watching [Einstein] alternate between gesticulating and chalking equations onto the blackboard. "The Washington Post Book World"

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"It is remarkable that Einstein should have produced such an account for the lay public so soon after his general theory was completed. This view has now superbly survived the tests of time.... In this new edition we are fortunate in having the advantage of an excellent exposition of Einstein' s foundational ideas on relativity from a more modern perspective in Robert Geroch' s commentary."--From the Introduction by Roger Penrose, author of The Emperor' s New Mind and The Road To Reality."One good way to get a feeling for what relativity theory is all about is to read, in these pages, what the originator of the subject had to say. I have provided comments, attached to various sections of Einstein' s book. The key to understanding relativity is to think about it for yourself."--From the Commentary by Robert Geroch, Professor of Physics, University of Chicago."Relativity was a highly technical new theory that gave new meanings to familiar concepts and even to the nature of theory itself. The general public looked upon relativity as indicative of the seemingly incomprehensible modern era, educated non-scientists despaired of ever understanding what Einstein had done, and political ideologues used the new theory to exploit public fears and anxieties--all of which opened a rift between science and the broader culture that continues to expand today."--From the Historical Essay by David C. Cassidy, author of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the American Century, and Einstein and Our World."All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man' s life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physicalexistence and leading the individual toward freedom."--Albert EinsteinWhat could be better than an introduction to the theory of relativity by Albert Einstein himself? One that combines Einstein' s original text, written for the layp