Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity provides a lucid and thoroughly modern introduction to general relativity. With an accessible and lively writing style, it introduces modern techniques to what can often be a formal and intimidating subject. Readers are led from the physics of flat spacetime (special relativity), through the intricacies of differential geometry and Einstein's equations, and on to exciting applications such as black holes, gravitational radiation, and cosmology. For advanced undergraduates and graduate students, or anyone interested in astronomy, cosmology, physics, or general relativity.Carroll (University of Chicago) explains the mathematical strategy of describing gravity as the geometry of a curved manifold, derives Einstein's field equation for the metric in general relativity, and discusses the three major applications of general relativity: black holes, perturbation theory, and gravitational waves. This graduate textbook also provides a brief introduction to quantum field theory in curved spacetime. Annotation ⓒ2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) |
