How Einstein Created Relativity out of Physics and Astronomy [Hardcover]

This book tracks the history of the theory of relativity through Einsteins life, with in-depth studies of its background as built upon by ideas from earlier scientists. The focus points of Einsteins theory of relativity include its development throughout his life; the origins of his ideas and his indebtedness to the earlier works of Galileo, Newton, Faraday, Mach and others; the application of the theory to the birth of modern cosmology; and his quest for a unified field theory. Treading a fine line between the popular and technical (but not shying away from the occasional equation), this book explains the entire range of relativity and weaves an up-to-date biography of Einstein throughout.? The result is an explanation of the world of relativity, based on an extensive journey into earlier physics and a simultaneous voyage into the mind of Einstein, written for the curious and intelligent reader.This book tracks the history of the theory of relativity through Einsteins life, covering the origins of his ideas and his debt to the work of Galileo, Newton, Faraday, Mach and others; the birth of modern cosmology and his quest for a unified field theory.Part I: Genesis: Riding a Beam of Light.- Part II: Special Relativity.- Part III: General Relativity.- Part IV: Cosmology.- Part V: Exodus: Quest for a Unified Field Theory.

From the reviews:

Selected by Choice magazine as an Outstanding Academic Title for 2013

Topper & has written an engaging, lucid account of Einsteins development of the special and general theories of relativity. & Topper provides an easy, readable narrative & clear footnotes that add depth and detail without interrupting the story line. & Toppers slender volume is impressive in successfully conveying to a general audience beyond the high-school level both the science and the detective work needed to reconstruct the history of the science. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic, general, and proflÛ