Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity

Product Description

Spacetime and Geometry is an introductory textbook on general relativity, specifically aimed at students. Using a lucid style, Carroll first covers the foundations of the theory and mathematical formalism, providing an approachable introduction to what can often be an intimidating subject. Three major applications of general relativity are then discussed: black holes, perturbation theory and gravitational waves, and cosmology. Students will learn the origin of how spacetime curves (the Einstein equation) and how matter moves through it (the geodesic equation). They will learn what black holes really are, how gravitational waves are generated and detected, and the modern view of the expansion of the universe. A brief introduction to quantum field theory in curved spacetime is also included. A student familiar with this book will be ready to tackle research-level problems in gravitational physics.

Review

‘The best book on contemporary gravitational physics for beginning graduate students to established researchers. It will remain one of the leading textbooks on gravity for years to come.’ Renata Kallosh, Stanford University, California

‘Carroll brings a relaxed authority to the teaching of general relativity at the graduate level. The text is beautifully written and succeeds in linking modern mathematical formalism to physical applications.’ Roger Blandford, Stanford University, California

‘This book is a gem. Carroll’s course at Massachusetts Institute of Technology remains legendary and this book can be expected to spread the legend worldwide. Carroll give a clear, well-motivated, and lively development of general relativity.’ Alan Guth, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

‘An excellent graduate text in general relativity written with an informal yet sophisticated style. It provides an efficient introduction to the gravitational physics essential for today’s understanding of black holes, gravitational waves, and the universe.’ Jim Hartle, University of California, Santa Barbara

‘I recommend the book for those who know little about GR but want to learn more; it is a useful bridge between more-qualitative or even popular introductions and more-advanced textbooks.’ Phillip Helbig, The Observatory

Book Description

An accessible introductory textbook on general relativity, covering the theory’s foundations, mathematical formalism and major applications.

From the Back Cover

“Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity” provides a lucid and thoroughly modern introduction to general relativity. With an accessible and lively writing style, it introduces modern techniques to what can often be a formal and intimidating subject. Readers are led from the physics of flat spacetime (special relativity), through the intricacies of differential geometry and Einstein’s equations, and on to exciting applications such as black holes, gravitational radiation, and cosmology.

About the Author

Sean M. Carroll is Research Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology. His research focuses on general relativity, cosmology, field theory, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gemant Award from the American Institute of Physics, the Winton Science Book Prize from the Royal Society, a Guggenheim fellowship, and teaching awards from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago.