General Relativity: A Geometric Approach


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Starting with the idea of an event and finishing with a description of the standard big-bang model of the Universe, this textbook provides a clear, concise and up-to-date introduction to the theory of general relativity, suitable for final-year undergraduate mathematics or physics students. Throughout, the emphasis is on the geometric structure of spacetime, rather than the traditional coordinate-dependent approach. This allows the theory to be pared down and presented in its simplest and most elegant form. Topics covered include flat spacetime (special relativity), Maxwell fields, the energy-momentum tensor, spacetime curvature and gravity, Schwarzschild and Kerr spacetimes, black holes and singularities, and cosmology. In developing the theory, all physical assumptions are clearly spelled out and the necessary mathematics is developed along with the physics. Exercises are provided at the end of each chapter and key ideas in the text are illustrated with worked examples. Solutions and hints to selected problems are also provided at the end of the book. This textbook will enable the student to develop a sound understanding of the theory of general relativity, and all the necessary mathematical machinery.General Relativity: A Geometric Approach Review
I have taught electromagnetism at the advanced graduate level, and am reasonably familiar with classical differential geometry and general relativity (e.g. as presented by Weinberg). I am finding Ludvigsen's book a tough read, though a worthwhile one. A considerable amount both of the physics background and the mathematics background of the subject is omitted or treated very briefly. Three paragraphs cover the Coulomb potential *and* the plane wave, for instance. Definitions tend to be ostentive - by example.Ludvigsen's book has the virtues of brevity as well as its difficulties, however: the reader can see where he is going at all times, and the author takes the reader through the modern approach to differential geometry, and deeply into the results of relativity theory, quickly and efficiently.I hope to see a second edition of this book. A little more explanantion, here and there, would do much, if not to reduce the steepness of the learning curve, at least to provide a few handholds on the way up! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you?�Yes No Report abuse | PermalinkComment�CommentMost of the consumer Reviews tell that the "General Relativity: A Geometric Approach" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from General Relativity: A Geometric Approach ...

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