Short description:

This book, suitable for post-16 school pupils or undergraduates looking for a supplement to their course, develops our modern view of space-time and its implications in the theories of gravity and cosmology. While aspects of this topic are inevitably abstract, the book seeks to ground thinking in observational and experimental evidence.

Long description:

This book, suitable for interested post-16 school pupils or undergraduates looking for a supplement to their course text, develops our modern view of space-time and its implications in the theories of gravity and cosmology. While aspects of this topic are inevitably abstract, the book seeks to ground thinking in observational and experimental evidence where possible. In addition, some of Einstein?s philosophical thoughts are explored and contrasted with our modern views.

Written in an accessible yet rigorous style, Jonathan Allday, a highly accomplished writer, brings his trademark clarity and engagement to these fascinating subjects, which underpin so much of modern physics.

• Restricted use of advanced mathematics, making the book suitable for post-16 students and undergraduates











• Contains discussions of key modern developments in quantum gravity, and the latest developments in the field, including results from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)











• Accompanied by appendices on the CRC Press website featuring detailed mathematical arguments for key derivations

"This textbook is an introduction to the theory of general relativity. It develops the physical and mathematical concepts in both a logical and historical order. The level of mathematical sophistication is gradually increased at an understandable pace. The techniques of tensor analysis are well explained and developed. The author is thus able to bring the student up to the level of current research in the fields of general relativity and cosmology. Topics treated include black holes, gravitational waves, modern cosmology, and quantum gravity. This book is suitable for a graduate course in physics on general relativity, and it is recommended to graduate students in physics. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students through faculty."
?A. M. Strauss, Vanderbilt University in CHOICE, December 2019

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Four Keystones. Chapter 2: The Road to Relativity. Chapter 3: The Theory of Special Relativity. Chapter 4: Space-Time. Chapter 5: Mass, Energy and Dust. Chapter 6: Generalising Relativity. Chapter 7: The Theory of General Relativity. Chapter 8: Weak field Gravitation. Chapter 9: Space-time in the General Theory. Chapter 10: Black Holes. Chapter 11: Gravity Waves. Chapter 12: Cosmology. Chapter 13. Quantum Considerations.