Theory and Experiment in Gravitational Physics [Paperback]

Clifford M. Will (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521439736 | ISBN-13: 978-0521439732 | Publication Date: March 26, 1993 | Edition: Rev Sub

This is a revised edition of a classic and highly regarded book, first published in 1981, describing the status of theory and experiment in general relativity. This book offers a comprehensive survey of the intensive research and testing of general relativity that has been conducted over the past three decades. As a foundation for this survey, the book first introduces the important principles of gravitation theory, developing the mathematical formalism that is necessary to carry out specific computations so that theoretical predictions can be compared with experimental findings. It provides an up-to-date survey of experimental results, not only for Einstein's "classical" tests, such as deflection of light and the perihelion of Mercury, but also for new solar-system tests, never envisioned by Einstein, that make use of the high-precision space and laboratory technologies of today. The book goes on to explore new arenas for testing gravitation theory in black holes, neutron stars, gravitational waves and cosmology. Included is a systematic account of the remarkable "binary pulsar" PSR 1913+16, which has yielded precise confirmation of the existence of gravitational waves. A new chapter has been added to cover recent important experimental tests, and the bibliography has been brought up to date.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...consolidates much of the literature on experimental gravity and should be invaluable to researchers in gravitation..." Science

"...a concise and meaty book...and a most useful reference work...researchers and serious students of gravitation should be pleased with it..." Nature

"...the experienced reader will benefit from this book. I can definitely recommend it as an extensive source of valuable information..." Tsvi Piran, Physics Today

"...[Clifford Will] has succeeded in combining an encyclopedic knowledge of gravitational experiments and observations with a style of presentation that makes his book not only invaluable to specialists in gravitational research, but also accessible to interested researchers in other fields who would like to know the current state of affairs in this discipline...by amassing in one place and in a readable form all of the evidence that leads to this conclusion, Will has performed an invaluable service and demonstrated beyond doubt that general relativity is a physical theory on the same footing as any of our other great fundamental theories." James Anderson, American Journal of Physics

Book Description

A revised edition of a classic and highly regarded book, first published in 1981, describes the status of theory and experiment in general relativity. A new chapter has been added to cover recent important experimental tests, and the bibliography has been updated.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; Rev Sub edition (March 26, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521439736
• ISBN-13: 978-0521439732
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,688,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars money well spent, May 11, 2009

By 

Least Action Hero - See all my reviews

This review is from: Theory and Experiment in Gravitational Physics (Paperback)

Will is one of foremost leaders in the field and can do calculating at post-Newtonian orders that make the average relativist cringe. This is a great reference with many detailed computations. It starts with a self contained overview of GR from the "geometric" perspective. Don't expect to learn the GR for the first time from this text. Will assumes a knowledge of Track 1 MTW (if you don't know what that is you might be in over your head). Highlights are chapters comparing alternative theories of gravity using the methods like the PPN method (which Cliff originated) and tying in experimental data. The new edition has some new material on gravitational radiation, and other recent experiements. The treatment of the Hulse-Taylor binary pulsar is as good as it gets. Missing is a chapter on implications for GR in the context of LIGO data (i.e. parameter estimation (for when they find something) and non-detection upper-limits ). Still worth the cash.

4.0 out of 5 stars Is relativity really verified?, December 9, 2011

By 

Robert Shuler (Friendswood, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theory and Experiment in Gravitational Physics (Paperback)

A close reading will show that there are some assumptions that are unproven, and verification of General Relativity rests on this cloud castle. I'm not sure that was the author's intent. But sometimes the result of honest effort exceeds intent.

0 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Waste of Money, July 8, 2007

By 

V. J. Lipinski - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theory and Experiment in Gravitational Physics (Paperback)

This book is not objective. There is no mention of the three degree cosmic background radiation which calls into question the relativistic and variance foundation of general relativity. This is an enormous problem for the validity of general relativity. Review made by Dr. Hubert Lipinski.