- Paperback: 308 pages
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press; illustrated edition edition (Sep 13 1997)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0521435323
- ISBN-13: 978-0521435321
- Product Dimensions: 24.7 x 19 x 2.3 cm
- Shipping Weight: 980 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #900,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Kirkus Reviews
Einstein's theory of general relativity has had, as the authors of this layperson's guide to the theory note in something of an understatement, ``a profound impact on our modern view of the universe.'' Hey (Electronics/Univ. of Southampton, England) and Walters (Adult Continuing Education/Univ. of Wales, Swansea) go on to offer an admirably lucid, nontechnical, and impressively argued explanation of both what the theory means and how, since Einstein first formulated it, experiments have repeatedly proven him correct. They also trace its applications in the practice of science (including everything from the invention of the atomic bomb to less warlike uses, such as satellite navigation systems), and include a chapter on the way in which the theory of relativity has influenced modern science fiction. Handsomely illustrated, written with such sterling clarity that any reader can grasp the arguments, and thorough in its coverage, Einstein's Mirror is a model of science writing for a lay audience. (94 color plates, 156 halftones, 54 line diagrams, not seen) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
'Einstein's Mirror is the companion volume to Hey and Walter's The Quantum Universe, which highlights quantum theory, that other great revolution in 20th-century physics. The new volume uses the same highly successful recipe, blending solid explanation, historical colour and copious illustrations into a highly attractive package.' Marcus Chown, New Scientist
'... will be high on the reading lists of university and advanced high-school students and general readers with an interest in science ... an excellent introduction to the implications and applications of relativity.' Frank Close, Nature
'Your reviewer gained much pleasure from this book and anticipates that students also will enjoy it. Its entertaining outline of recent developments might well encourage younger readers to pursue Modern Physics at a higher level. It is hence very highly recommended.' Ron Cox, SSR
'The book is well illustrated with portraits, rarely seen photographs, historical engravings, informative diagrams and humorous cartoons, a few in colour. Readership will undoubtedly extend from the general reader to the science undergraduate, and will be welcomed by those interested in the history of science. Einstein's Mirror is unreservedly recommended, especially to secondary schools and public libraries.' Irish Astronomical Journal
' ... an extremely pleasant surprise ... its rare to find such a well written book, and I heartily recommend this to anyone who has had a passing interest (or even a whole career!) in relativity'. Astronomy Now
'... will be high on the reading lists of university and advanced high-school students and general readers with an interest in science ... an excellent introduction to the implications and applications of relativity.' Frank Close, Nature
'Your reviewer gained much pleasure from this book and anticipates that students also will enjoy it. Its entertaining outline of recent developments might well encourage younger readers to pursue Modern Physics at a higher level. It is hence very highly recommended.' Ron Cox, SSR
'The book is well illustrated with portraits, rarely seen photographs, historical engravings, informative diagrams and humorous cartoons, a few in colour. Readership will undoubtedly extend from the general reader to the science undergraduate, and will be welcomed by those interested in the history of science. Einstein's Mirror is unreservedly recommended, especially to secondary schools and public libraries.' Irish Astronomical Journal
' ... an extremely pleasant surprise ... its rare to find such a well written book, and I heartily recommend this to anyone who has had a passing interest (or even a whole career!) in relativity'. Astronomy Now
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
First Sentence
The famous Russian scientist Lev Landau used to keep a list of names, in which he graded physicist into 'leagues'. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
The famous Russian scientist Lev Landau used to keep a list of names, in which he graded physicist into 'leagues'. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Einstein's Mirror,
By
This review is from: Einstein's Mirror (Paperback)
Well written for the non-professional scientist.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Light, as it should be,
This review is from: Einstein's Mirror (Paperback)
I could say that this one is a book that achieves a happy, delicate balance between lightness and heaviness. But why?In numbers: 291 pages, eleven chapters, one appendix, a glossary and, more important, hundreds of pictures with small comments that sometimes are biographies. This makes it "greater in quantity or quality than the average of its kind or class". But be sure, it is not a book only for those wanting to learn relativity and, also, it is not an Einstein's biography: it complements both with a lot of general information. The final chapter, "Relativity and science fiction", though not very complete, gives to the book a special taste. In brief: it makes a good companion to Kip Thorne's "Black holes and time warps" (cited in the book as a suggestion for further reading) and a very good (light, as it should be) introduction to Einstein's life and work and its influence in our culture.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews) 16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clear, understandable and Interesting,
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Einstein's Mirror (Hardcover)
At last, a book that explains Einstein's Theories of Relativity in a concise, interesting and entertaining way. The book maps out the history of physics from the ancient Greeks to Richard Feynman with interesting and whimsical anecdotes about the people who try to figure out how things work. Well illustrated, even my mother will "Get It" Be sure to pick up the companion book "The Quantum Universe" I never thought Relativity could be light reading.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Light, as it should be,
By Sandro S. Costa - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Einstein's Mirror (Paperback)
I could say that this one is a book that achieves a happy, delicate balance between lightness and heaviness. But why?In numbers: 291 pages, eleven chapters, one appendix, a glossary and, more important, hundreds of pictures with small comments that sometimes are biographies. This makes it "greater in quantity or quality than the average of its kind or class". But be sure, it is not a book only for those wanting to learn relativity and, also, it is not an Einstein's biography: it complements both with a lot of general information. The final chapter, "Relativity and science fiction", though not very complete, gives to the book a special taste. In brief: it makes a good companion to Kip Thorne's "Black holes and time warps" (cited in the book as a suggestion for further reading) and a very good (light, as it should be) introduction to Einstein's life and work and its influence in our culture. 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
a must read,
By Winston Banford "Natalie Fan" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Einstein's Mirror (Paperback)
This book contains a brief overview of Einstien's special and general theories of relativity, combined with historical accounts of his life and his scientific progression. If you read this book, you will no doubt have a list of topics and physicists names that you will be googling. I bought maybe 5 books after reading this one because many fascinating topics are brought up. Excellent general summary of Einstein and his work.
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