Relativity and Its Roots (Paperback)

by Banesh Hoffmann (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Using simple examples from everyday life, an Einstein scholar offers entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of the meaning of relativity theory. Starting with the geometrical and cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, the author traces the theory’s development from its basis in work by Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Faraday, Maxwell, and other scientists. Easily understood analogies and numerous instructive diagrams make this volume ideal for those with no math or science background. 1983 edition. Index.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (December 23, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486406768
• ISBN-13: 978-0486406763
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #479,173 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On Hoffmann's "Relativity and its Roots", February 14, 2001

By	Joe Kolecki (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews

Many books attempt to expound the complexities of modern thinking in physics, but few achieve their objective as well as Hoffmann's "Relativity and its Roots." Hoffmann gives a superb overview of the history of thought in physics. He also gives vibrant descriptions of difficult concepts, leading the reader in the most natural way toward a solid understanding of Relativity theory and the foundations upon which it is built. In my opinion, this book ranks with the best of popular expositions both on the history of scientific thought in physics, and on modern physics itself. I recommend it for the non-initiated as well as for the seasoned scientist.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fascinating and approachable, August 19, 2000

By	Matt Stevensson (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) - See all my reviews

Relativity and its Roots is more than an assembly of Einstein's work, it's a rich volume of scientific history leading up to his discoveries. The book starts with the early philosophical and geometrical ideas of the greeks and guides the reader up to and beyond the breakthroughs made in the middle ages. Complete with dozens of explanitory diagrams, it's one read that will change your perception of our universe.

3.0 out of 5 stars Some interesting history but with clarity problems, March 4, 2007

By	SL (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

Some interesting information from the history of science here, but this book suffers from trying to give technical explanations of scientific laws and phenomena without having the proper space to devote to those technical explanations. Also, in many places the writing is just unclear -- I've seen a lot of these things explained a lot more clearly elsewhere.