Introduction to General Relativity

Lewis Ryder is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Physics at the University of Kent, UK. His research interests are in geometrical aspects of particle theory and its parallels with general relativity.

• Preface; Notation; Important formulae and physical constants; 1. Introduction; 2. Special relativity, non-inertial effects and electromagnetism; 3. Differential geometry I: vectors, forms and absolute differentiation; 4. Differential geometry II: geodesics and curvature; 5. Einstein field equations, the Schwarzschild solution and experimental test of general relativity; 6. Gravitomagnetic effects: gyroscopes and clocks; 7. Gravitational collapse and black holes; 8. Action principles, conservation laws and the Cauchy problem; 9. Gravitational radiation; 10. Cosmology; 11. Gravitation and field theory; References; Index.

'This superb and spirited modern introduction to Einstein's theory of gravitation covers all of the essential topics with admirable clarity. A penetrating discussion of the basic concepts of the theory is followed by a wonderfully lucid development of the mathematical formalism using modern differential geometry. Ample illustrations and problems enhance and complement the text; moreover, a generous list of references is provided at the end of each chapter for further reading. This scholarly yet accessible textbook is highly recommended for a course on general relativity.' Bahram Mashhoon, University of Missouri