Einstein's Theory of Relativity Paperback – June 1, 1962

Print quality is quite good, readable with comfort. Also timely delivery. Thanks.

I read this book more than 6 years ago from a local library, and was awed by the simplistic treatment and yet complete comprehension that it endowed on me. It builds all premises and theories ab initio, and slowly, gradually but inexorably builds a hypothesis that culminates into Einstein's theory.Mind you, the book is NOT for the casual reader, but it is NOT only for academia either. A fair knowledge of high school physics and mathematics will probably be required if you really want to reach into the depths of this book. Dig deep and you'll come away well rewarded.I promised myself I'll buy this book one day when I'll be able to dedicate the time to read this book. I haven't completed this copy, but then I don't need to read it again to write this review. The impression that I have from the earlier reading is etched firmly in my mind and that's where this review comes from.

In this book noted physicist and colleage of Einstein reviews physics up to the mid 1900's, in a most clear,careful and clear mannerThe mathematics are high school level, easily grasped. The organization of the book is admiirable, and leavesnothing out. In fact, this book is the one I wish my high school and college had used as a text on physicsthe reader gets two bangs for the buck, a complete and clear review of physics, and a nice introduction to Relativity.This book is highly recommended both for students and for adults of all ages who want a great overview of physics.

The description says this book includes a review of classical physics. However, I would expand that to say it's more than a review. It's 60% of the book. The text uses high school algebra, but that doesn't mean that only a knowledge of HS algebra is sufficient. It also claims it's a great resource for layman and intro physics students. I have trouble agreeing with that assessment.The formula derivations can be very deep and complex. I'm only a quarter way through the "review" and get the impression that Born is steering through specific aspects of physics that will prepare you for understanding relativity. The review seems essential to me. It would be a mistake to think you can skip it because you have a degree that required advance math and physics. Variable names are not the same as you'd expect. Classic equations like f=ma become K=mb. Born is very philosophical in his writing. It sometimes takes numerous reviews of the info presented to really nail down the concept as familiar equations become unrecognizable except by reviewing every step to get there.I see other reviewers who say the material is easy to grasp and it may be for them. But IMO you need a background education to really take advantage of your investment in this book. Completing HS algebra isn't enough.

At times notation can be a distraction, at other times notation can cause confusion, as in E&M most notably. Max Born's book is a gem and if you can get around the mild distractions and focus on the ideas then you may even get around the paradoxes in Relatively, where "common sense" is a distraction.Some gifted people can write and explain well the most complex ideas some cannot. Max Born succeeds one of the best popular books on Relativity.

Born has set himself quite a difficult objective : a review of classical mechanics, optics and electromagnetism, reminding at each step why they are superseded by relativity... Followed by an introduction to both special and general relativity... All in 370 pages !From that point of view, it's a success.But the book may exhaust a beginner, mainly due to a horrible layout of formulae and proofs ; oversimplification at times, lack of explanation at others; added to a bad translation... e.g. in section 11, chapter VII, where the reader may, additionally, be led to believe that the velocity of light is not constant, as Born doesn't state the difference between "coordinate" velocity and "physical" velocity of light !!Contrary to Eddington' s "Gravitation", where the author didn't forget to insist on that subtle point... (See my review of Einstein's "The principle of relativity").-

Exactly as described.

Excellent!!

Ya lo conocía, por haberlo leído hace mucho. Lo he adquirido por nostalgia. Es un libro imprescindible en toda colección de divulgación de los conceptos de la teoría de la relatividad, e incluso de la física clásica.

Born has set himself quite a difficult objective : a review of classical mechanics, optics and electromagnetism, reminding at each step why they are superseded by relativity... Followed by an introduction to both special and general relativity... All in 370 pages !From that point of view, it's a success.But the book may exhaust a beginner, mainly due to a horrible layout of formulae and proofs ; oversimplification at times, lack of explanation at others; added to a bad translation... e.g. in section 11, chapter VII, where the reader may, additionally, be led to believe that the velocity of light is not constant, as Born doesn't state the difference between "coordinate" velocity and "physical" velocity of light !!Contrary to Eddington' s "Gravitation", where the author didn't forget to insist on that subtle point... (See my review of Einstein's "The principle of relativity").

Nessun problema riscontrato in ricezione. Solo un piccolo graffio sulla copertina ma nulla di rilevante. La consegna è arrivata in anticipo di 2 giorni!

My son was really pleased with this book as he is interested in any books like this. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in physics.