General Relativity from A to B by Robert Geroch (PDF)

Description

This beautiful little book is certainly suitable for anyone who has had an introductory course in physics and even for some who have not.—Joshua N. Goldberg, Physics Today”An imaginative and convincing new presentation of Einstein’s theory of general relativity. . . . The treatment is masterful, continual emphasis being placed on careful discussion and motivation, with the aim of showing how physicists think and develop their ideas.”—Choice

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Previous to exploration of this interesting book I read a book review in the Journal of General Relativity and Gravitation (December 1979, Volume 11, by Wood ): it was not so positive. The book gets a brief mention by Physicist John Baez ( “what is covered is very well explained” ). Next, perusal of the reviews on Amazon; again, they span the gamut. Now, my turn at a review: Robert Geroch has written a unique exposition at a popular level (or, a semi-technical level) accessible to anyone who cares to profit through careful, accurate, elucidation of (basics of) General Relativity. Profiting from lucid prose, few equations and a concentration on fundamental conceptions. Herein: an opportunity to learn basics from a professional researcher, an experienced teacher of General Relativity. Is it plodding ? At times, it is. However, once up and running, the book proceeds swiftly.Who, in 1978, was serving up this kind of perspective on General Relativity ? Two parts: (1) The Space-Time Viewpoint and (2) General Relativity. Geroch retains the hyphen in the word ‘Space-Time’, this is excellent pedagogy ! The book is required reading for undergraduate students previous to advanced study in relativity.Robert Geroch proffers a viewpoint neglected in many (most ? ) undergraduate physics courses.Certainly neglected in my undergraduate coursework: At University, four years of undergraduate study, not one physics professor ever uttered those words “Space-Time Interval” when the topic of relativity was approached, described or explained. The trend is this: write down the Lorentz transformation equations, then be finished with the entire subject ! No thinking required ! This is a deplorable trend. This book does fulfill a definite need. It did then (when published, 1978) and it does now. Uninterrupted hours of thinking are needed for a reading of this book (especially for a semi-popular exposition).A few words from Robert Geroch:(1) “…to summarize, world-lines of particles now acquire time-functions.” (page 80).(2) “…the Interval is intrinsic to Space-Time…” (page 91).(3) “…from the Interval one can determine how light goes and how clocks move and tick…” (page 112).(4) “…I see physics as an ongoing process…everything is tentative,confusing,subject to caveats…” (page 140).(5) “…Is Space-Time really curved?…One should think of this quantity as simply the mathematical resultof a certain geometrical construction.” (page 170).(6) “…one thinks of Einstein’s equation as being the fundamental thing all by itself…” (page 176).It goes without saying (or, it should) that the concluding chapter, Black Holes, is a beautiful rendering– confluence of all of the previous chapters of the book: amalgamating events, space-time Interval, Einstein’s Equation. Figures and illustrations abound. This book is the beginning of a journey, Geroch offers insight not often found in publications at this level. A gamut of ideas comprising relativity, presented by an instructor with sure compass, sure direction. Highly recommended as a prelude to students who wish to embark on further studies.Geroch concludes: “Physics is a human activity, and, as such, it is vague, uncertain and judgmental.” (page 221).(I ask any student: when was the last time you heard a professor of physics admit that ? )Addenda: June 2017, Robert Geroch’s 1972 lecture notes on General Relativity are available on the webpage of the University of Chicago. These and his other lecture notes are essential study material for students.

⭐The author makes a heroic attempt to interpret Einstein’s Theory of Relativity in geometrical terms. His strength and weakness is that of a physicist. The diagrams of space time use the usual time and space axis which to the non-physicist is very confusing. It is a constant conceptual effort to interpret what the author is trying to show.The book is as much a history of the development of Relativity as an explanation of it. The book is also very heavy on the philosophy of science which at times is too much to digest.There is a lack of formulas in the book. The chapter, Einstein’s Equation, never gives the equation! The entire book does not give any of Einstein’s equations! One is left standing in a forest of facts and diagrams that never leads one out of the forest to a clear view of what happened in there .This book is more for a physics major who wants to get a preview of the techniques that will await him in the physics lecture hall.My purpose was to see worked examples of the theory such as time dilation / contraction. I do not need to be convinced that the theory is right or how it was derived, therefore this book did not serve my purpose.

⭐Clearly written introduction to relativity. I am carrying out experimental work in testing special relativity, and I’m always looking for materials that help relating our work to the general public. This book is spot on. Of course, its age shows. The illustrations could be much improved these days.

⭐This book is not a college book on relativity. it is written for curious mind who wants to know something about the relativity and author gives a very layman introduction to it.It starts with space-time concept of Aristotelian, Galilean view and than slowly enters into relativistic view. A lot of space has been delegated to definition and explanation of the concept of Iterval and than jumps into physical meaning of the concepts. It is only as the author says from A to B and no more.

⭐Interesting book.

⭐Poorly written, confusing and at times impossible to follow. There are much better texts that cover Einstein’s great accomplishment.

⭐This book is an excellent introduction to General Relativity.

⭐satisfied

⭐As a recently retired, erstwhile high school science teacher I was keen to update my understanding of relativity. It was a concept I only understood basically. Recommended on Twitter by Professor Brian Cox as a “general introduction “ to the concept of General Relativity I purchased it expectantly. After skimming through it to get a feel for the content -“best to start this book well rested and alert” I thought. Not managed to get past page 11 yet and have found it a wonderful remedy for insomnia. Hence the 5 stars.

⭐Very, very good introduction to the physics behind relativity in general. It goes really deep in the concepts of spacetime before and after relativity.However, in order to fully appreciate this book, some familiarity with the general ideas of relativity would be useful!

⭐I hoped for enlightenment. But Found this a labored explanation. I’m afraid that “from A to B” is about right. And then not clearly to me.

⭐I expected to read a very easy to understand book with analogy and example but instead found myself struggling with the maths and physics. Gave up about a third through. Not an easy read.

⭐A good book.

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