Penguin.com (usa)

Relativity view larger size

Relativity

The Special and the General Theory

Albert Einstein - Author

Nigel Calder - Introduction by

Paperback | $12.00 | add to cart | view cart
ISBN 9780143039822 | 208 pages | 25 Jul 2006 | Penguin Classics | 8.26 x 5.23in | 18 - AND UP
Additional Formats:
directory email print
Summary of Relativity Summary of Relativity Reviews for Relativity An Excerpt from Relativity

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.

  • First time in Penguin Classics
  • New introduction by bestselling science author Nigel Calder
Relativity
Introduction by Nigel Calder
Suggestions for Further Reading
Preface by Albert Einstein

Part I: The Special Theory of Relativity

1. Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions
2. The System of Co-ordinates
3. Space and Time in Classical Mechanics
4. The Galileian System of Co-ordinates
5. The Principle of Relativity (in the Restricted Sense)
6. The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities Employed in Classical Mechanics
7. The Apparent Incompatibility of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity
8. On the Idea of Time in Physics
9. The Relativity of Simultaneity
10. On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance
11. The Lorentz Transformation
12. The Behaviour of Measuring-Rods and Clocks in Motion
13. Theorem of the Addition of the Velocities. The Experiment of Fizeau
14. The Heuristic Value of the Theory of Relativity
15. General Results of the Theory
16. Experience and the Special Theory of Relativity
17. Minkowski's Four-Dimensional Space

Part II: The General Theory of Relativity

18. Special and General Principle of Relativity
19. The Gravitational Field
20. The Equality of Inertial and Gravitational Mass as an Argument for the General Postulate of Relativity
21. In What Respects Are the Foundations of Classical Mechanics and of the Special Theory of Relativity Unsatisfactory?
22. A Few Inferences from the Genral Principle of Relativity
23. Behaviour of Clocks and Measuring-Rods on a Rotating Body of Reference
24. Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Continuum
25. Gaussian Co-ordinates
26. The Space-Time Continuum of the Special Theory of Relativity Considered as a Euclidean Continuum
27. The Space-Time Continuum of the General Theory of Relativity Is Not a Euclidean Continuum
28. Exact Formulation of the General Principle of Relativity
29. The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation on the Basis of the General Principle of Relativity

Part III: Considerations on the Universe as a Whole

30. Cosmological Difficulties of Newton's Theory
31. The Possibility of a "Finite" and Yet "Unbounded" Universe
32. The Structure of Space According to the General Theory of Relativity

Appendices

1. Simple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation
2. Minkowski's Four-Dimensional Space ("World")
3. The Experimental Confirmation of the General Theory of Relativity
(a) Motion of the Perihelion of Mercury
(b) Deflection of Light by a Gravitational Field
(c) Displacement of Spectral Lines towards the Red

Index


To keep up-to-date, input your email address, and we will contact you on publication

Please alert me via email when:


The author releases another book


   

All There Is
$24.95 | buy now

All There Is

Dave Isay

StoryCorps founder and New York Times bestselling author Dave Isay shares stories of love and marriage from the revolutionary oral history project.
See the author on tour »

Down the Darkest Road
$26.95 | buy now

Down the Darkest Road

Tami Hoag

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author Tami Hoag delivers the next book in her Oak Knoll micro-series following Deeper than the Dead and Secrets to the Grave.
Get the reading group guide »