Understanding General Relativity: A First Course in Einstein's Amazing Theory

This book developed from the author's personal determination to understand the foundations of the theory of General Relativity. The book gives a clear, elementary account of Einstein's theory. Accessible to the determined general reader or beginner in the subject, it nevertheless gives a coherent, convincing account with emphasis on the fundamental principles which led Einstein to develop his revolutionary theory. The book includes a complete account of the main theory and some of its applications with every necessary step included. The only prerequisite knowledge needed is basic calculus and Newtonian mechanics, but many mathematical reminders are included to jog the reader's memory. The account is kept as concrete as possible with emphasis on illuminating some of the more subtle aspects of the theory. Also included is a chapter on Special Relativity which explains the key ideas and results needed for a study of the general theory. It is hoped that the reader will benefit from the author's personal quest to write an elementary, but convincing account of Einstein's marvellous theory. Indeed, the author hopes that readers of the book will be able to report that they finally understand what the theory is all about. This updated second edition contains three new chapters on orthonormal frames, particle orbits in regions of high curvature, and black holes. There are also some new sections including one on geodesic deviation. In addition, the author has taken the opportunity to correct some minor errors which crept into the first edition.