Relativity Finding a Good Book on GR: Experiences & Resources

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on recommended books for studying General Relativity (GR), particularly for those with a background in Special Relativity (SR). Øyvind Grøn's lecture notes in PDF format are mentioned as a starting point, but users also recommend Wald's "General Relativity" and Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler's "Gravitation" (MTW) for their rigorous mathematical approach. Additionally, W. Thirring's "Classical Mathematical Physics" is highlighted as a valuable resource for understanding differential geometry and field theories, despite its older publication date.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Special Relativity (SR)
  • Familiarity with Tensors
  • Basic knowledge of differential geometry
  • Mathematical problem-solving skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Øyvind Grøn's lecture notes on General Relativity
  • Study Wald's "General Relativity" for a mathematically rigorous approach
  • Explore Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler's "Gravitation" for comprehensive GR insights
  • Read W. Thirring's "Classical Mathematical Physics" for applications of differential forms and manifold calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those interested in General Relativity and mathematical physics, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of differential geometry and field theories.

BiGyElLoWhAt
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What is a good book on GR? I have a good amount of experience with SR, and have spent a good deal of time researching GR, from Wikipedia, to PDF's, and youtube videos. I am moderately comfortable with Tensors, but a book that covers them in depth would be nice, not necessary, however. (I can look things up as I go if I run into problems with the maths).

I started reading Øyvind Grøn's book on PDF, is anyone familiar with that?
Ok, I guess they're lecture notes:
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=øyvind+grøn+GR+PDF

It's been interesting, but I don't know if better material exists. I'm definitely not afraid to struggle, but I think I have a good enough conceptual understanding that if I do struggle, it will be in the maths.

Thanks in advance!
 
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I'd say Wald's General Relativity and the MTW are great for a mathematically rigorous formulation of GR, although they're a bit old.
 
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Old just means it will look cooler on my physics/math collection book shelf ;)
 
BiGyElLoWhAt said:
Old just means it will look cooler on my physics/math collection book shelf ;)
They're fat too (seriously), so you'll have to make quite a bit of space on your shelf.
 
Haha, it's mostly empty, thus far. I have about a dozen or a dozen and a half books, so there's more than enough room.
 
I would add W. Thirring "Mathematical Physics", volumes 1 and 2 (solid introduction to classical and relativistic field theory in the language of differential forms and manifold calculus). If not as a main resource, than to at least expand/clarify maths in other books. Rather old, but among my all-time favourites.

Plus it has a fair number of problems with solutions.
 
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That sounds great! Is the title simply Mathematical Physics? I can find Quantum Mathematical Physics by Thirring, but can't seem to find MP vol 1 and 2.
 
BiGyElLoWhAt said:
That sounds great! Is the title simply Mathematical Physics? I can find Quantum Mathematical Physics by Thirring, but can't seem to find MP vol 1 and 2.

No, sorry. I have assumed that they used titles as in original (German) edition. It's this https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387406158/?tag=pfamazon01-20 ; Classical Mathematical Physics, Dynamical Systems and Field Theories. Original four volumes were, as it seems, glued together into Classical (vol 1 and 2) and Quantum (vol 3 and 4) Mathematical Physics. Excuse faulty assumption.

Addendum: It should be worth mentioning that this is quite literally mathematical physics, it is assumed that you know the basics on topics at hand and want to see more in-depth applications of differential geometry, methods of approach and solution of some of the most important cases and such. It's less of a textbook on GR or classical field theory and more of a toolbox for rigorous solutions and mathematics behind them. Featured five-star reviews in the linked Amazon page are very true to what I want to convey.
 
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