Clear, concise exposition of both the special and general theories of relativity, intended for nonscientific readers with a knowledge of high school math. Topics include simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, the possibility of travel to a distant star, non-Euclidean geometries, black holes, and the structure of the universe. 158 illustrations.
Einstein: The Man and His Achievement by G. J. Whitrow In commentaries by Whitrow, W. B. Bonner, and D. W. Sciama, and reminiscences by H. A. Einstein, Bertrand Russell, and 23 others, Einstein's life and thought emerge vividly.
Sidelights on Relativity by Albert Einstein Two influential essays: "Ether and Relativity" (1920) discusses its subjects' related properties; "Geometry and Experience" (1921) describes Euclidean or other geometric systems in connection with the concept of a finite universe.
Relativity Simply Explained by Martin Gardner One of the subject's clearest, most entertaining introductions offers lucid explanations of special and general theories of relativity, gravity, and spacetime, models of the universe, and more. 100 illustrations.
Relativity and Its Roots by Banesh Hoffmann Entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of the meaning of relativity theory trace development from basis in geometrical, cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, plus work by Kepler, Galileo, Newton, others. 1983 edition.
The Universe and Dr. Einstein by Lincoln Barnett "The main ideas of the theory of relativity are extremely well presented," declared Albert Einstein in his foreword to this clear and readable exposition. 1957 edition.
Readable Relativity by Clement V. Durell Concise and practical, this text sketches the mathematical background essential to understanding relativity theory. Each subject is illustrated with diagrams, formulas, and examples, plus exercises and solutions. 1960 edition.
The Unity of the Universe by D. W. Sciama This accessible approach uses compelling photos, figures, and examples to address and answer profound questions about the universe. "An engrossing book, an invigorating intellectual exercise." — Scientific American. 1959 edition.
Beyond Geometry: Classic Papers from Riemann to Einstein by Peter Pesic This is the only English-language collection of these 8 accessible essays. They trace seminal ideas about the foundations of geometry that led to Einstein's general theory of relativity.
