Synopses & Reviews
In this fascinating, accessible introduction to one of the most revolutionary developments in modern physics, Einstein scholar Banesh Hoffmann recounts the successive insights that led to both the special and general theories of relativity.
Using simple examples from everyday life, the author presents entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of what relativity actually means and how it has revolutionized our ideas of time and space. Starting with the geometrical and cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, the author traces the succession of ideas and advances that paved the way for modern physics, including the theories of Kepler and Newton, Galilean mechanics, the work on electricity and magnetism by Faraday and Maxwell, and many other relevant topics.
Complete with easily understood analogies and numerous instructive diagrams, this stimulating volume brings the complexities of relativity into focus for all readers, even for those with no math or science background.
Synopsis
Entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of the meaning of relativity theory trace development from basis in geometrical, cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, plus work by Kepler, Galileo, Newton, others. 1983 edition.
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis
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, he traces the theory's development from its basis in work by Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Faraday, Maxwell, and others. 1983 edition.
Synopsis
Entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of the meaning of relativity theory trace development from basis in geometrical, cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, plus work by Kepler, Galileo, Newton, others. 1983 edition.
About the Author
Banesh Hoffmann (1906-86) received his PhD from Princeton University. At Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study, he collaborated with Albert Einstein and Leopold Infeld on the classic paper "Gravitational Equations and the Problem of Motion." Hoffmann taught at Queens College for more than 40 years.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 A Hint of What Is to Come
CHAPTER 2 The Path to Newton
CHAPTER 3 Newtonian Relativity
CHAPTER 4 The Optical Threat to Relativity
CHAPTER 5 The Special Theory of Relativity
CHAPTER 6 The General Theory of Relativity
INDEX