What is best self-study Relativity Books?

totentanz

I thought I will post it in the books section,but I think I need the experts guidance,so what is/are the best self-study books...I am not so good in mathematics (Tensors...etc) just something to start with...thanks in advance

PAllen

I believe Bernard Schutz book would be the best 'first book'.

http://www.amazon.com/First-Course-G...1598997&sr=1-1

Mike_Fontenot

Start with Einstein's own little book by Crown Publishers, called "Relativity, the Special & General Theory". Just read the portion on special relativity ... save the GR stuff until MUCH later. Read that SR part of the book VERY carefully. Then read it again, and maybe even a third time.

After you've FULLY digested that, if you want more, read Taylor & Wheeler's SPACETIME PHYSICS.

Mike Fontenot

totentanz

thanks...I am checking it out

PAllen

If I were going to read Einstein, I'd go with "The meaning of relativity". At least, this was good for me. (Though I only skimmed the last section on his final unified field theory).

totentanz

Thanks...but I am intersted on how relativity works,I mean how much will it takes to now the mathematics(it took Einstein from 1905 to 1914)...thanks

jtbell

Are you interested in special relativity or general relativity? The latter requires much more mathematical sophistication than the former.

Hebob80

"Relativity Simply Explained"
by: Martin Gardner

totentanz

In the general of course,the special does not require alot,but the general is the real theory, I want to be able to understand (or maybe even find) the solutions to the field equation,like Schwazschield solution,and Gödel solution...how much time will it takes?and what are the tools(books)?

Daverz

I would start with Gravity by Hartle. The approach emphasizes physics over formalism. But there are dozens of good books. See the book review forum.

totentanz

Iwill check it out,thanks...by the way your link is not working

Daverz

Try searching on "relativity" in the "Science Book Discussion" forum.

Goldbeetle

Check out also "A traveler's guide to spacetime". Extremely clear on the basic concept of special relativity. On the physical foundation that lead Einstein to General Relativity from Newtonian gravity and mechanics through special relativity read: "Einstein's Theory of Relativity" by Born, also extremely clear on the basic concepts. Both inexpensive, the latter you can preview online for free and legally (I do not remember the site name, may be archive.org)

MathematicalPhysicist

Don't forgert to complement it with a problem book, such as the white book, whose authors I forget.

Goldbeetle

White book??

George Jones

The Problem Book in Relativity and Gravitation by Lightman and Price. It includes solutions to all problems.

totentanz

what about the mathematics?what do you need to have before...I mean I see the field equation,I know the concept that the distribution of matter-energy effect the shape of space-time...but how much will effect for me this is the true science...thanks for everyone
who will or already offere his help