Overview

"Einstein's general theory of relativity is introduced in this advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate level textbook. Topics include special relativity in the formalism of Minkowski's four-dimensional space-time, the principle of equivalence, Riemannian geometry and tensor analysis, Einstein field equation and cosmology. The author presents the subject from the very beginning with an emphasis on physical examples and simple applications without the full tensor apparatus. One first learns how to describe curved spacetime. At this mathematically more accessible level, the reader can already study the many interesting phenomena such as gravitational lensing, precession of Mercury's perihelion, black holes, as well as cosmology. The full tensor formulation is presented later, when the Einstein equation is solved for a few symmetric cases. Many modern topics in cosmology are discussed in this book: from inflation, cosmic microwave anisotropy to the ""dark energy"" that propels an accelerating universe. Mathematical accessibility, together with the various pedagogical devices (e.g., worked-out solutions of chapter-end problems), make it practical for interested readers to use the book to study general relativity and cosmology on their own."

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9780198529569

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This book represents a basic introduction to the theories of special and general relativity with applcations to cosmology. It is methodically very carefully developed: almost all necessary mathematical items are introduced at the point when they first appear, and they are also explained in words. Every chapter ends with a list of problems useful e.g. as student exercises. Also that modern developments like gravitational lenses and vacuum energy are covered. Hans-Jurgen Schmidt (Potsfam), Zentralblatt Math Volume 1082 (2006/08)

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