Einstein's relativity theory

[Muse]

I'm around 1/2 way through Walter Isaacson's "Einstein," c. 2007. Great great biography, but I'm thirsting for a much deeper understanding of relativity theories (i.e. the General and the Special theories). Isaacson makes mention a few times of Einstein's own attempt to explain his theories in:

Relativity : the special and the general theory / a popular exposition by Albert Einstein ; authorised translation by Robert W. Lawson


This was originally written in 1916, a year after Einstein finished formulating the General Theory, which was far more difficult than the Special Theory.

Well, my question is can I get a complete understanding of the theories by studying this book? I was a physics major for a couple of years and then switched to math, in which I finally got my undergraduate degree. However, I don't recall studying tensors, maybe just a bit.

 

[CycloWizard]

Originally posted by: Muse
Relativity : the special and the general theory / a popular exposition by Albert Einstein ; authorised translation by Robert W. Lawson

This. I picked up a paperback copy for about $4 and found it to be very insightful, and I've taken less physics than you.

 

[f95toli]

Why would you try to understand a theory by reading a 90 year old book (unless you are interested in history that is)?
As far as I know the standard text for GR is still Weinbergs book but that is not exactly an easy book to read, as with all GR books it is requires knowledge about graduate level physics/maths and is intended for people who want to specialize in gravitation/cosmology.
Unfortunately, I don't think you can get a "complete understanding" unless you understand the math.

SR is MUCH easier to understand and is covered in many undergraduate texts (SR was part of the first year course in mechanics at my uni), the math is almost trivial.

 

[CycloWizard]

Originally posted by: f95toli
Why would you try to understand a theory by reading a 90 year old book (unless you are interested in history that is)?

I read "historical" texts to learn about a lot of things when I'm starting out in the area. People who initiate a theory often have a more intuitive understanding and can explain things on that level better. If I want to actually solve problems in that area, I would be more likely to need a recent book that is more application-based. It all just depends on what level you're trying to understand the material and your learning style, I suppose.

 

[Born2bwire]

Originally posted by: CycloWizard

Originally posted by: Muse
Relativity : the special and the general theory / a popular exposition by Albert Einstein ; authorised translation by Robert W. Lawson

This. I picked up a paperback copy for about $4 and found it to be very insightful, and I've taken less physics than you.

Second. Einstein's original book is an easy read. He goes through many of his thought experiments and despite the age of the text it is still relevant and a good read, plus you should be able to get it on the cheap.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Born2bwire

Originally posted by: CycloWizard

Originally posted by: Muse
Relativity : the special and the general theory / a popular exposition by Albert Einstein ; authorised translation by Robert W. Lawson

This. I picked up a paperback copy for about $4 and found it to be very insightful, and I've taken less physics than you.

Second. Einstein's original book is an easy read. He goes through many of his thought experiments and despite the age of the text it is still relevant and a good read, plus you should be able to get it on the cheap.

Yes, I figure a cheap copy would be not hard to find. It's been around a long time and Einstein is still a celebrity! Right now, I'm checking it out of the library. May buy a copy later.

 

[silverpig]

wikipedia has a good overview, and it links into the Einstein field equations and such.