General Relativity

The Essentials

Carlo Rovelli (Université d'Aix-Marseille)

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English

Cambridge University Press
09 September 2021

Mathematics & Sciences; Cosmology & the universe; Gravity; Relativity physics

In this short book, renowned theoretical physicist and author Carlo Rovelli gives a straightforward introduction to Einstein's General Relativity, our current theory of gravitation. Focusing on conceptual clarity, he derives all the basic results in the simplest way, taking care to explain the physical, philosophical and mathematical ideas at the heart of “the most beautiful of all scientific theories”. Some of the main applications of General Relativity are also explored, for example, black holes, gravitational waves and cosmology, and the book concludes with a brief introduction to quantum gravity. Written by an author well known for the clarity of his presentation of scientific ideas, this concise book will appeal to university students looking to improve their understanding of the principal concepts, as well as science-literate readers who are curious about the real theory of General Relativity, at a level beyond a popular science treatment.

By: Carlo Rovelli (Université d'Aix-Marseille)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 153mm, Spine: 11mm
Weight: 280g
ISBN: 9781009013697
ISBN 10: 1009013696
Pages: 150
Publication Date: 09 September 2021
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

What is General Relativity? Part I. Bases: 1. Physics: a field theory for gravity; 2. Philosophy: what are space and time? 3. Mathematics: curved space; Part II. The Theory: 4. Basic equations; 5. Action; 6. Symmetries and interpretation; Part III. Applications: 7. Newtonian limit; 8. Gravitational waves; 9. Cosmology; 10. The field of a mass; 11. Black holes; 12. Elements of quantum gravity; Index.

Carlo Rovelli is Director of the Quantum Gravity group at the Centre de Physique Theorique of Aix-Marseille University; he also holds positions at the University of Western Ontario and the Perimeter Institute in Canada. Among his academic contributions in theoretical physics, he is best known as one of the formulators of Loop Quantum Gravity. He has written two monographs for Cambridge University Press, Quantum Gravity (2004) and (with Francesca Vidotto) Covariant Loop Quantum Gravity (2014). He is also the author of several international bestsellers in popular science such as Seven Brief Lessons on Physics (2016) and The Order of Time (2019).

Reviews for General Relativity: The Essentials

'General relativity is the most beautiful physical theory we have, and plays an increasingly central role in modern physics. Carlo Rovelli's introduction is both concise and comprehensive, written by a master of exposition as well as of the material. I envy anyone encountering these ideas for the first time.' Sean M. Carroll, Caltech; author of Spacetime and Geometry 'This book addresses general relativity at a more sophisticated level than in a popular-level account, emphasizing conceptual understanding and results over the mathematical details of a standard textbook. Most impressive is the author's ability to distil important concepts into pithy statements illustrating deep physical insight. Rovelli's concise book provides a solid grounding in the conceptual framework of general relativity as a starting point.' Mike Guidry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; author of Modern General Relativity 'The book is interesting, well written, and fills an otherwise vacant niche. Recommended.' Phillip Helbig, The Observatory 'Rovelli is a well-published author of popular and advanced physics books, primarily in loop quantum gravity. His latest effort is an introduction to Einstein's general relativity, written with precision in the concise style for which he is acclaimed … Recommended.' J. F. Burkhart, Choice Connect