Relativity: The Special and General Theory (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A Non-Mathematical Introduction to Spacetime, Gravitation, and Modern PhysicsBy Albert Einstein
Length5h 9m
About this audiobook
Albert Einstein's Relativity: The Special and General Theory is a lucid exposition of one of the great intellectual revolutions of modern science. Written for readers without advanced mathematical training, the book explains special relativity, general relativity, spacetime, gravitation, and the limits of Newtonian mechanics with remarkable conceptual clarity. Its style is patient, analogical, and rigorously logical, placing it within the tradition of popular scientific writing while preserving the philosophical depth of theoretical physics. Einstein, already celebrated for his 1905 papers and later for his general theory of relativity, wrote this work to make his ideas accessible beyond professional physicists. His background in mathematics, patent-office analysis, and deep engagement with questions about light, motion, and measurement shaped both the theory and its presentation. The book reflects his conviction that profound scientific truths can be communicated through clear reasoning rather than technical display. This volume is highly recommended for readers seeking a historically important and intellectually disciplined introduction to relativity. It rewards students, general readers, and scholars of science alike, offering direct access to Einstein's own explanation of ideas that transformed physics and modern thought.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreScience and Nature
Length5 hrs 9 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJan 2, 2020
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
27XVIII Special and General Principle of Relativity
2Introduction
28XIX The Gravitational Field
3Synopsis
29XX The Equality of Inertial and Gravitational Mass as an Argument for the General Postulate of Relativity
4Historical Context
30XXI In What Respects Are the Foundations of Classical Mechanics and of the Special Theory of Relativity Unsatisfactory?
5Author Biography
31XXII A Few Inferences from the General Principle of Relativity
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6Relativity: The Special and General Theory
32XXIII Behaviour of Clocks and Measuring-Rods on a Rotating Body of Reference
7Preface
33XXIV Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Continuum
8PART I The Special Theory of Relativity
34XXV Gaussian Co-Ordinates
9I Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions
35XXVI The Space-Time Continuum of the Special Theory of Relativity Considered as a Euclidean Continuum
10II The System of Co-ordinates
36XXVII The Space-Time Continuum of the General Theory of Relativity is Not a Euclidean Continuum
11III Space and Time in Classical Mechanics
37XXVIII Exact Formulation of the General Principle of Relativity
12IV The Galileian System of Co-ordinates
38XXIX The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation on the Basis of the General Principle of Relativity
13V The Principle of Relativity in the Restricted Sense
39PART III Considerations on the Universe as a Whole
14VI The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities Employed in Classical Mechanics
40XXX Cosmological Difficulties of Newton’s Theory
15VII The Apparent Incompatibility of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity
41XXXI The Possibility of a “Finite” and yet “Unbounded” Universe
16VIII On the Idea of Time in Physics
42XXXII The Structure of Space According to the General Theory of Relativity
17IX The Relativity of Simultaneity
43APPENDIX ISimple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation [Supplementary to Section XI]
18X On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance
44APPENDIX IIMinkowski’s Four-Dimensional Space (“World”) [Supplementary to Section XVII]
19XI The Lorentz Transformation
45APPENDIX IIIThe Experimental Confirmation of the General Theory of Relativity
20XII The Behaviour of Measuring-Rods and Clocks in Motion
46(a) Motion of the Perihelion of Mercury
21XIII Theorem of the Addition of Velocities. The Experiment of Fizeau
47(b) Deflection of Light by a Gravitational Field
22XIV The Heuristic Value of the Theory of Relativity
48(c) Displacement of Spectral Lines Towards the Red
23XV General Results of the Theory
49APPENDIX IVThe Structure of Space According to the General Theory of Relativity [Supplementary to Section XXXII]
24XVI Experience and the Special Theory of Relativity
50Analysis
25XVII Minkowski’s Four-Dimensional Space
51Reflection
26PART II The General Theory of Relativity
52Memorable Quotes
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