Relativity Which book is the best for an introductory level approach to GR?

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The discussion centers on selecting the best introductory book on General Relativity (GR) among works by Bernard Schutz, David d'Inverno, and others. A participant expresses dissatisfaction with d'Inverno's treatment of tensor analysis, finding it insufficiently rigorous. The consensus suggests that most introductory GR texts provide only a basic overview of tensor analysis, which may not meet the needs of those seeking a deeper understanding. Recommendations for more rigorous resources include separate textbooks on tensor analysis and specific titles like O'Neill's and Straumann's works. Additionally, free lecture notes by Matthias Blau are mentioned as a valuable resource for learning GR. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of finding a textbook that aligns with individual learning preferences and rigor requirements.
UnderLaplacian
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Which book among Bernard Schutz , Stephani and d'Inverno is the best for an introductory level approach to GR ? I have read some tensor analysis from d'Inverno and have not found its treatment rigorous enough .
 
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If you are looking for rigor on the tensor analysis part, I suggest picking up a separate textbook in tensor analysis. In general, GR textbooks - at least at an introductory level - will tend to give you a short crash course on tensor analysis sufficient to get you through the basics but not much more.
 
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UnderLaplacian said:
? I have read some tensor analysis from d'Inverno and have not found its treatment rigorous enough .
Could you explain this statement a bit more? I am not sure what you mean by 'not rigorous enough.'

Are you looking for something like https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226870332/?tag=pfamazon01-20, O'Neill, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521537800/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (or https://www.amazon.com/dp/1107032865/?tag=pfamazon01-20), https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199230722/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (or https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199666466/?tag=pfamazon01-20?)
 
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I like Schutz, but what you may like could be vastly different. You should check out these texts from the library and see which fits your preferred style of textbook.

If you want to a "rigorous" treatment of tensor analysis you're going to have to look elsewhere like Orodruin said.
 
I don't know what you mean by "rigorous" either. Maybe you mean a more modern exposition of tensor analysis? Then perhaps the book by Straumann is good

N. Straumann, General Relativity, Springer (2013) (2nd edition)
 
Sorry for the vague wording of my question . Thanks for all your suggestions though . A prof. in the high energy physics dept. of my university gave me the same advice that Orodruin did .
 

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