General Theory of Relativity [Hardcover]

P. A. M. Dirac (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471215759 | ISBN-13: 978-0471215752 | Publication Date: June 1975

Einstein's general theory of relativity requires a curved space for the description of the physical world. If one wishes to go beyond superficial discussions of the physical relations involved, one needs to set up precise equations for handling curved space. The well-established mathematical technique that accomplishes this is clearly described in this classic book by Nobel Laureate P.A.M. Dirac. Based on a series of lectures given by Dirac at Florida State University, and intended for the advanced undergraduate, General Theory of Relativity comprises thirty-five compact chapters that take the reader point-by-point through the necessary steps for understanding general relativity.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Seasoned physicists will appreciate the book as an elegant, well-organized introduction to the basic mathematics and physics of curved space. -- Physics Today



Dirac was a man of few words, and this little book-with 35 sections spanning 69 pages-exhibits the concise, direct style that was his trademark. Seasoned physicists will appreciate the book as an elegant, well-organized introduction to the basic mathematics and physics of curved space. -- R. Corby Hovis, Physics Today
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 78 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc (June 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471215759
• ISBN-13: 978-0471215752
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,755,092 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ph D in mathematics requried, February 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: General Theory of Relativity (Paperback)

This is definitely not a book for the weak of heart. Dirac does a brilliant job presenting the material in a concise manner. Still, some concepts are often glossed over, or not explained to an appreciable extent. I found that the Schaum's Tensor Calculus Outline was a good suppliment to this text, since it fills in what Dirac assumes you already know. Overall, I would recommend this book only if you have a strong mathematical background, and an even stronger desire to learn the Theory of Relativity.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A concise overview of the classical theory., October 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: General Theory of Relativity (Paperback)

In his inimitable concise style, with not a word out of place, Dirac offers a 60 page sketch of the classical theory of gtr. Doesn't cover any of the modern theoretical developments and offers not a single figure, but if you have a strong math background and very little time to spare, this is probably the book for you. No problems included, so serious autodidacts should supplement this with another text such as d'Inverno which does have problems.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you know special relativity a great way to go, September 11, 2003

By 

James H. McDuffie (Huntsville, Alabama United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: General Theory of Relativity (Paperback)

This is quite simply an amazing book. It uses the older component notation to give an rather complete treatment of the basics of GR in something like 69 pages. It is beautiful and elegant like all of P.A.M Dirac's papers and books. There is no global formalism and the book is not comprehensive but it is a great treatment. One work of caution. The reader who has already had some GR may find it more approachable. But I do not believe this is necessarily true.