Thoughts on General Relativity by Hobson?

[jacobianofthevilla]

Background: I'm about to graduate with a mathematics degree(in the US), hence I have exposure to multivariable calculus, real analysis, abstract algebra, complex variables etc (no differential geometry however). I have also taken a class on QM(using Griffiths) and I saw some SR during a Modern Physics class. I read through Taylor's classical mechanics book last summer as well.

Motivation: I want to learn General Relativity as I have always found it fascinating

So, what do you guys think of General Relativity by Hobson? Ideally, I want a book which provides lots of motivation and examples , I don't usually like terse and dry books. Also, how does this book compare to Hartle, Schutz, and Carroll?

 

[Frimus]

It looks like there are no thoughts on the topic :-)

Anyway, there are a lot of PF threads dealing with your question. Just pay some effort and look for them.
As for me, I have got both Schutz and Hobson. IMHO they are a valuable introduction to the GR.

From what you said

I don't usually like terse and dry books.

I honestly recommend Hobson to you.

Btw, I don't pay much attention to Amazon customer ratings. The customer spectrum is too wide, a lot of opinions have no connection to the quality of the textbook and they often completely ruin the result of the rating.

Some random examples:
5* reviews:
“Bought for my son. He loved it.”
“Great conditions!”

1* reviews:
“This book is a bit too professional ...”
“Bought new and the book looks like it's been dragged onto the floor.”

 

[PeroK]

Background: I'm about to graduate with a mathematics degree(in the US), hence I have exposure to multivariable calculus, real analysis, abstract algebra, complex variables etc (no differential geometry however). I have also taken a class on QM(using Griffiths) and I saw some SR during a Modern Physics class. I read through Taylor's classical mechanics book last summer as well.

Motivation: I want to learn General Relativity as I have always found it fascinating

So, what do you guys think of General Relativity by Hobson? Ideally, I want a book which provides lots of motivation and examples , I don't usually like terse and dry books. Also, how does this book compare to Hartle, Schutz, and Carroll?

Hartle may be a good choice as he minimises the mathematics. It may be especially good for you if you want to learn GR out of personal interest. If you were going to do graduate work in GR, then you would be better off with the more heavily mathematical texts.

 

[smodak]

I really like Hartle. Caroll and Hobson are also great! I never liked Schutz. Why don't you take a look at the previews and see what works for you best? Or just get Hartle and another book.

 

[jacobianofthevilla]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I guess I will check out Hobson and see how I feel about it.