Is there any mathematically detailed GR book?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a mathematically detailed book on General Relativity (GR). Participants express their needs for comprehensive mathematical explanations and examples related to GR concepts, including the calculation of Christoffel Symbols, Riemann Curvature Tensor, and solutions like Schwarzschild, Reissner-Nordström, and Kerr.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a detailed GR book focused on mathematical processes, citing difficulties with existing texts like Wald, Misner, Thorne, and Schutz.
  • Another participant suggests "Relativity DeMystified" as a potential resource, noting its coverage up to the development of field equations.
  • A different participant recommends "Introduction to General Relativity" by Walecka, highlighting its detailed calculations of Christoffel Symbols in the Schwarzschild solution.
  • Some participants question the meaning of "mathematically detailed," with one suggesting that the requested content is already present in established texts like Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler.
  • Links to additional resources, such as lecture notes and problem books, are shared by participants.
  • One participant mentions a preference for "Einstein's General Theory of Relativity: With Modern Applications in Cosmology" by Gron and Hervik, particularly for its treatment of tetrads.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on what constitutes a "mathematically detailed" book, with differing opinions on the adequacy of existing texts and the specific needs for mathematical explanations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the level of detail required in mathematical explanations, indicating a potential gap in understanding the expectations for mathematical rigor in GR texts.

yicong2011
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I think I need a detailed GR book especially in Mathematics, since that is too unfamiliar to me.

I want to see examples on how to calculate Christoffel Symbols via metric, how to calculate Riemann Curvature Tensor with coordinate component and tetrads.

And even more, the detailed mathematical process to get Schwarzschild Solution, R-N solution and Kerr solution.

I think R.Wald's Book and Minsner, Wheeler, Thorne's Book do not include enough mathematical details for me to read, though they are elegant in concept. B. Shutz's book does not contain enough materials, though easier to read.

Anyone has any recommendations? Thank you.
 
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"Introduction to General Relativity" by Walecka is good.

He shows detailed calculations for all 64 Chrisoffel Symbols in the Schwarzschild solution.

Best bet is to buy this book used in paperback (this is what I did).
 
I don't understand what you mean by "mathematically detailed." Do you mean that you need more introductory material to explain the mathematics being used in a book like Wald? The stuff you list in #1 *is* in books like Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler.
 
bcrowell said:
I don't understand what you mean by "mathematically detailed." Do you mean that you need more introductory material to explain the mathematics being used in a book like Wald? The stuff you list in #1 *is* in books like Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler.

What I mean is that I need more details in calculation...
 
http://www.blau.itp.unibe.ch/lecturesGR.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Maybe what you need now is the Problem Book.

418N04RJACL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 
My favourite book is Einstein's General Theory of Relativity: With Modern Applications in Cosmology by gron and hervik. (especially if you like tetrads)
 

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