General Theory of Relativity by P. A.M. Dirac (PDF)

Description

Einstein’s general theory of relativity requires a curved space for the description of the physical world. If one wishes to go beyond superficial discussions of the physical relations involved, one needs to set up precise equations for handling curved space. The well-established mathematical technique that accomplishes this is clearly described in this classic book by Nobel Laureate P.A.M. Dirac. Based on a series of lectures given by Dirac at Florida State University, and intended for the advanced undergraduate, General Theory of Relativity comprises thirty-five compact chapters that take the reader point-by-point through the necessary steps for understanding general relativity.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “Seasoned physicists will appreciate the book as an elegant, well-organized introduction to the basic mathematics and physics of curved space.” ― Physics Today”Dirac was a man of few words, and this little book-with 35 sections spanning 69 pages-exhibits the concise, direct style that was his trademark. Seasoned physicists will appreciate the book as an elegant, well-organized introduction to the basic mathematics and physics of curved space.”—R. Corby Hovis, Physics Today About the Author P.A.M. Dirac (1902-1984) was Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and later taught at Florida State University.

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

⭐The book is less than 100 pages, and it covers the most important parts of general relativity in the first 15 pages. It is concise without being superficial.The three basic general relativity concepts are the light cone, a 4-by-4 tensor which determines the light cone; the Christoffel Symbols, which determine the geodesics; and the Riemann Curvature tensor, which determines how matter affects space and time.Although the Christoffel Symbols can be derived algebraically with two assumptions ((1) the covariant derivative of the metric is zero, and (2) the covariant curl is equal to the ordinary curl), Dirac derives them directly using the Jacobian (tangent plane) to an embedding of space and time in a larger dimensional entity. This makes Dirac’s approach very geometrical.The only large topic not covered is the precession of Mercury, which is explained well in the book by Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler in the chapter called the “Pit in the Potential”.

⭐Yes, that’s exactly the way i’ve entitled it. So, it should be used just as a quick reference guide to find some equation(s) you need when you already have studied and understood them. I mean, don’t expect to understand GR from this small (nice)book. It is like a sumary of the whole theory as it was standing at the time Dirac wrote it. Therefore it does not contain solutions to Einstein equation but the Schwarzschild one. No Kerr-solution, no Finkelstein coordinates, no causal structure…But anyway, maybe we could say it is the most fast/first-level source you can take a look to find clear equations and clear 1-paragraph-explanations.For the price you can have it, I think it is a good purchase once you have passed through really teaching books like i.e.: Schutz, Weinberg, Wald, Hawking-Ellis…(in order of increasing mathematical hardness).Math notation friendly.No exercices.Just what i said, 2 pages per chapter.

⭐Most precise book on GTR. But honestly speaking I would not not suggest this book if someone facing GTR for the first time. After all it is written by Dirac. But again it is written by Dirac, so you must expect the most concentrated dose of GTR (whole STR, GTR, blackholes and gravitational wave also within 60 pages!!!). I keep this book with me all the time as a reference, to quickly look at the formulation and it is quite helpful. A must have for who has been exposed to GTR.And regarding the product and shipping, it is a Princeton Pub. delivered by Amazon, I get exactly the thing I thought I will get within 4 days (it was an international shipping).

⭐Without getting in details of more technical stuff, it serves as a first rate, condensed introduction. Explaining all required material from tensor analysis (without the need to introduce Riemann geometry), such as Christoffel symbols, geodesics, covariant derivatives, Ricci tensor, curvature e.t.c. Only prerequisites a good knowledge of advanced calculus and maybe a bit of matrix algebra. The notation should be pretty standard for the field. Only disadvantage is that it is dense (no examples, no exercises for the reader …).

⭐It’s a great little book, I am sure. If it is for undergraduates, however, they are a lot smarter than they were in my day.

⭐It’s a classic by one of the founders of quantum mechanics, a nobelist whose equation lead to the discovery of the positron

⭐Dirac develops general relativity from first principles, assuming a knowledge of tensor analysis and special relativity. Most will have to do some preliminary mathematical study to follow his exposition.

⭐On the one hand, you want a shorter introduction to General Relativity. On the other hand, not just condensed notation.

⭐A very clear and concise review of General Relativity in Dirac’s inimitable style. But be warned: this is not a Popular Science book for casual reading – it has heavy advanced mathematical content (which is fine by me!)

⭐It is an excellent overview and introduction to the core formal concepts. I would recommend everyone to start here as the basic lecture notes then extend with more precise mathematical analysis of differential geometry and topology after which books like from R. Wald or R. Penrose will be easier to follow.

⭐This excellent book contains almost everything important in general relativity in extremely few words. As a mathematician, I find this book far more elegant and mathematically precise than most accounts written by physicists who don’t seem to have a proper grasp of the maths. Instead of getting bogged down and confused by unnecessary, misleading, and often convoluted, mathematical constructions, Dirac keeps precisely to the point throughout. This is perfect both for a first course and for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the subject.

⭐Very concise and straight to the point! A recommended addition to your books on GR. This really is a lovely little book and is ideal for a quick reference.

⭐Unless you are familiar with Einsteins work and know some hot maths, don’t bother. Its technical.

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