Here are the 11 papers that forged the general and special theories of relativity: seven papers by Einstein, plus two papers by Lorentz and one each by Minkowski and Weyl. "A thrill to read again the original papers by these giants." — School Science and Mathematics. 1923 edition.
Relativity and Geometry by Roberto Torretti High-level study discusses Newtonian principles and 19th-century views on electrodynamics and the aether, plus Einstein's electrodynamics of moving bodies, Minkowski spacetime, gravitational geometry, time and causality, and other topics. 1983 edition.
Eight Lectures on Theoretical Physics by Max Planck Landmark lectures (1909) by Nobel Prize winner deal with application of quantum hypothesis to blackbody radiation, principle of least action, relativity theory, more. 1915 edition.
The Theory of Relativity by R. K. Pathria Graduate-level text elaborates on physical ideas underlying relativity, examining special theory (space-time transformations, four-dimensional formulations, mechanics, optics, electromagnetism), and general theory (space-time continuum, gravitation, experiments, and relativistic cosmology). 1974 edition.
Einstein's Theory of Relativity by Max Born Semi-technical account includes a review of classical physics (origin of space and time measurements, Ptolemaic and Copernican astronomy, laws of motion, inertia, more) and of Einstein's theories of relativity.
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 Physical Principles of the Quantum Theory by Werner Heisenberg Nobel Laureate discusses quantum theory, uncertainty, wave mechanics, work of Dirac, Schroedinger, Compton, Einstein, others. "An authoritative statement of Heisenberg's views on this aspect of the quantum theory." — Nature.
Stars and Relativity by Ya. B. Zel’dovich, I. D. Novikov Two of the greatest astrophysicists of the 20th century explore general relativity, properties of matter under astrophysical conditions, stars, and stellar systems. A valuable resource for physicists, astronomers, graduate students. 1971 edition.
Gravitational Curvature: An Introduction to Einstein's Theory by Prof. Theodore Frankel This classic text and reference monograph applies modern differential geometry to general relativity. A brief mathematical introduction to gravitational curvature, it emphasizes the subject's geometric essence and stresses the global aspects of cosmology. 1979 edition.
A Survey of Physical Theory by Max Planck In this classic of scientific literature, the Nobel Laureate and creator of the quantum revolution explores the basics of physics, concluding with an engrossing narrative of how he developed quantum theory. 1925 edition.
Concepts of Mass in Classical and Modern Physics by Max Jammer Rigorous, concise, and provocative monograph analyzes the ancient concept of mass, the neoplatonic concept of inertia, the modern concept of mass, mass and energy, and much more. 1964 edition.
Atomic Physics and Human Knowledge by Niels Bohr Articles and speeches by the Nobel Prize–winning physicist, dating from 1934 to 1958, offer philosophical explorations of the relevance of atomic physics to many areas of human endeavor. 1961 edition.
Geometry and Light: The Science of Invisibility by Ulf Leonhardt, Thomas Philbin Suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of engineering, physics, and mathematics and scientific researchers of all types, this is the first authoritative text on invisibility and the science behind it. More than 100 full-color illustrations, plus exercises with solutions. 2010 edition.
Relativity: The Special and General Theory by Albert Einstein The great physicist's own explanation of relativity, written for readers unfamiliar with theoretical physics, outlines the special and general theories and presents the ideas in their simplest, most intelligible form.
An Introduction to the Study of Stellar Structure by S. Chandrasekhar Rigorous examination of relationship between loss of energy, mass, and radius of stars in a steady state. Unabridged, corrected republication of original (1939) edition.
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.
From X-rays to Quarks: Modern Physicists and Their Discoveries by Emilio Segrč A Nobel Laureate offers impressions of the development of modern physics, emphasizing complex but less familiar personalities. Offers fascinating scientific background and compelling treatments of topics of current interest. 1980 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.
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.
Elements of Relativity Theory by D. F. Lawden The basic concepts of relativity theory are conveyed through worked and unworked examples in this text, which requires only elementary algebra and emphasizes physical principles and concepts. 1985 edition.
Introduction to Tensor Calculus, Relativity and Cosmology by D. F. Lawden Elementary introduction emphasizes aspects that students find most difficult: tensors in curved spaces and application to general relativity theory; black holes; gravitational waves; more. Solution guide available upon request. 1982 edition.
What Is Relativity? by L. D. Landau, G. B. Rumer Written by a Nobel Prize physicist and his colleague, this compelling book uses familiar objects (trains, rulers, clocks) to illuminate the more subtle aspects of relativity. 23 illustrations. 1959 edition.
A Sophisticate's Primer of Relativity: Second Edition by P. W. Bridgman Geared toward readers already acquainted with special relativity, this book answers natural questions: What is a frame of reference? A "law of nature"? The role of the "observer"? 1983 edition.
Einstein's Legacy: The Unity of Space and Time by Julian Schwinger A Nobel Laureate relates the fascinating story of Einstein and relativity theory in well-illustrated, nontechnical terms, discussing the meaning of time, gravity and its effect on light, the curving of space-time, more.
Lectures on Quantum Mechanics by Paul A. M. Dirac Four concise, brilliant lectures on mathematical methods in quantum mechanics from Nobel Prize–winning quantum pioneer build on idea of visualizing quantum theory through the use of classical mechanics.
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.
Atomic Physics: 8th Edition by Max Born Nobel Laureate's lucid treatment of kinetic theory of gases, elementary particles, nuclear atom, wave-corpuscles, atomic structure and spectral lines, much more. Over 40 appendices, bibliography.
Quantum Theory by David Bohm This advanced undergraduate-level text presents the quantum theory in terms of qualitative and imaginative concepts, followed by specific applications worked out in mathematical detail.
Theory of Relativity by W. Pauli Nobel Laureate's brilliant early treatise on Einstein's theory consists of his original 1921 text plus retrospective comments 35 years later. Concise and comprehensive, it pays special attention to unified field theories.
Geometry, Relativity and the Fourth Dimension by Rudolf Rucker Exposition of fourth dimension, concepts of relativity as Flatland characters continue adventures. Topics include curved space time as a higher dimension, special relativity, and shape of space-time. Includes 141 illustrations.
Introduction to the Theory of Relativity by Peter G. Bergmann Comprehensive coverage of special theory (frames of reference, Lorentz transformation, more), general theory (principle of equivalence, more) and unified theory (Weyl's gauge-invariant geometry, more.) Foreword by Albert Einstein.
Space, Time, Matter by Hermann Weyl Excellent introduction probes deeply into Euclidean space, Riemann's space, Einstein's general relativity, gravitational waves and energy, and laws of conservation. "A classic of physics." — British Journal for Philosophy and Science.
Product Description:
Here are the 11 papers that forged the general and special theories of relativity: seven papers by Einstein, plus two papers by Lorentz and one each by Minkowski and Weyl. "A thrill to read again the original papers by these giants." — School Science and Mathematics. 1923 edition.
Around 1950, Hayward Cirker, Founder and President of Dover Publications, wrote to Einstein and asked his approval to proceed with a Dover paperback reprint of the 1923 collection of original papers on relativity by Einstein himself and others (H. A. Lorentz, H. Weyl, and H. Minkowski), which had originally been published in England. Einstein was reluctant, wondering how much interest there could possibly be in this relic of his work from 30 or more years earlier. Cirker persisted, and Einstein finally agreed — the Dover edition of The Theory of Relativity has been in print ever since and has been followed by many other Dover books on relativity.
The papers reprinted in this original collection will always be for the serious student the cornerstone of their Einstein library: Michelson's Interference Experiment (H. A. Lorentz); Electromagnetic Phenomena in a System Moving with any Velocity Less Than That of Light (H.A. Lorentz); On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies (A. Einstein); Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon its Energy Content? (A. Einstein); Space and Time (H. Minkowksi with notes by A. Sommerfeld); On the Influence of Gravitation on the Propagation of Light (A. Einstein); and The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity (A. Einstein) found on pages 109–164 of this text; Hamilton's Principle and The General Theory of Relativity (A. Einstein); Cosmological Considerations on the General Theory of Relativity (A. Einstein); Do Gravitational Fields Play an Essential Part in the Structure of the Elementary Particles of Matter? (A. Einstein); and Gravitation and Electricity (H. Weyl). In the Author's Own Words: "How can it be that mathematics, being after all a product of human thought independent of experience, is so admirably adapted to the objects of reality?"
"What nature demands from us is not a quantum theory or a wave theory; rather, nature demands from us a synthesis of these two views which thus far has exceeded the mental powers of physicists."
"Do not be troubled by your difficulties with Mathematics, I can assure you mine are much greater." — Albert Einstein
Critical Acclaim for The Theory of Relativity: "This book constitutes an indispensable part of a library on relativity." — Nature
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