Einstein's Mirror [Hardcover]

Tony Hey (Author), Patrick Walters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 13, 1997

Einstein's Mirror is a book on relativity with a difference. Following the successful format of their earlier book, The Quantum Universe, the authors blend a simple, non-mathematical account of the underlying theory of special relativity and gravitation with a description of the way these theories have been triumphantly supported by experiment. Applications of relativity in atomic and nuclear physics are wide-ranging, from satellite navigation systems, particle accelerators and nuclear power to quantum chemistry, anti-matter and black holes. The text is enlivened by a superb collection of photographs and by amusing anecdotes about the early pioneers. The closing chapter examines the influence of Einstein's relativity on the development of science fiction. Final year students at school, general readers with an interest in science, and undergraduates in science subjects will all enjoy and benefit from this fascinating and accessible introduction to one of the most profound scientific discoveries of the twentieth century.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

Einstein's theory of general relativity has had, as the authors of this layperson's guide to the theory note in something of an understatement, ``a profound impact on our modern view of the universe.'' Hey (Electronics/Univ. of Southampton, England) and Walters (Adult Continuing Education/Univ. of Wales, Swansea) go on to offer an admirably lucid, nontechnical, and impressively argued explanation of both what the theory means and how, since Einstein first formulated it, experiments have repeatedly proven him correct. They also trace its applications in the practice of science (including everything from the invention of the atomic bomb to less warlike uses, such as satellite navigation systems), and include a chapter on the way in which the theory of relativity has influenced modern science fiction. Handsomely illustrated, written with such sterling clarity that any reader can grasp the arguments, and thorough in its coverage, Einstein's Mirror is a model of science writing for a lay audience. (94 color plates, 156 halftones, 54 line diagrams, not seen) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review

'Einstein's Mirror is the companion volume to Hey and Walter's The Quantum Universe, which highlights quantum theory, that other great revolution in 20th-century physics. The new volume uses the same highly successful recipe, blending solid explanation, historical colour and copious illustrations into a highly attractive package.' Marcus Chown, New Scientist

'... will be high on the reading lists of university and advanced high-school students and general readers with an interest in science ... an excellent introduction to the implications and applications of relativity.' Frank Close, Nature

'Your reviewer gained much pleasure from this book and anticipates that students also will enjoy it. Its entertaining outline of recent developments might well encourage younger readers to pursue Modern Physics at a higher level. It is hence very highly recommended.' Ron Cox, SSR

'The book is well illustrated with portraits, rarely seen photographs, historical engravings, informative diagrams and humorous cartoons, a few in colour. Readership will undoubtedly extend from the general reader to the science undergraduate, and will be welcomed by those interested in the history of science. Einstein's Mirror is unreservedly recommended, especially to secondary schools and public libraries.' Irish Astronomical Journal

' ... an extremely pleasant surprise ... its rare to find such a well written book, and I heartily recommend this to anyone who has had a passing interest (or even a whole career!) in relativity'. Astronomy Now

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521435048
• ISBN-13: 978-0521435048
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,616,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, understandable and Interesting, July 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Einstein's Mirror (Hardcover)

At last, a book that explains Einstein's Theories of Relativity in a concise, interesting and entertaining way. The book maps out the history of physics from the ancient Greeks to Richard Feynman with interesting and whimsical anecdotes about the people who try to figure out how things work. Well illustrated, even my mother will "Get It" Be sure to pick up the companion book "The Quantum Universe" I never thought Relativity could be light reading.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Light, as it should be, June 12, 2002

By 

Sandro S. Costa - See all my reviews

This review is from: Einstein's Mirror (Paperback)

I could say that this one is a book that achieves a happy, delicate balance between lightness and heaviness. But why?
In numbers: 291 pages, eleven chapters, one appendix,
a glossary and, more important, hundreds of pictures with small
comments that sometimes are biographies. This makes it "greater in quantity or quality than the average of its kind or class".
But be sure, it is not a book
only for those wanting to learn relativity and, also, it is not an
Einstein's biography: it complements both with a lot of general
information. The final chapter, "Relativity and science fiction",
though not very complete, gives to the book a special taste.
In brief: it makes a good companion to Kip Thorne's "Black holes
and time warps" (cited in the book as a suggestion
for further reading) and a very good (light, as it should be)
introduction to Einstein's life and work and its influence
in our culture.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must read, May 11, 2009

By 

Winston Banford "Natalie Fan" (Mount Holly, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Einstein's Mirror (Paperback)

This book contains a brief overview of Einstien's special and general theories of relativity, combined with historical accounts of his life and his scientific progression. If you read this book, you will no doubt have a list of topics and physicists names that you will be googling. I bought maybe 5 books after reading this one because many fascinating topics are brought up. Excellent general summary of Einstein and his work.