An introduction to the relativistic theory of gravitation. Translated by Frank Meyer and Jan Metzger (Q925195)

This book is a classical new textbook on general relativity theory which can be used for a university course both in mathematics and in physics. It presents partially new views to the subject, e.g., the gravitomagnetic phenomena have been mentioned already in the beginning of the introduction. Chapter 1 introduces classical mechanics and differential geometry, both to that extent which is necessary for the understanding of the next parts. Chapter 2 deals with particle dynamics, Chapter 3 with field dynamics, Chapter 4 with gravity, Chapter 5 with cosmology, Chapter 6 with spherically symmetric star models, and the final Chapter 7 covers stationary black holes. Publisher's description: ``The geometric interpretation of gravitation is one of the major foundations of modern theoretical physics. This primer introduces classical general relativity with emphasis on the clarity of conceptual structure and on the basic mathematical methods to build up systematically application skills. The wealth of physical phenomena entailed by the Einstein's equations is revealed with the help of specific models describing gravitomagnetism, gravitational waves, cosmology, gravitational collapse and black holes. End-of-chapter exercises complete the main text. This book is based on class-tested notes for courses that have been held by the author over many years at the University of Bern, where Einstein worked at the local patent office and where the foundations of special relativity were laid.'' Each chapter of this book possesses its own reference list, and a useful subject index closes this very carefully written book. By the way, this book was originally written in German language, but that version was not very much distributed; in this sense, this English language edition is the original edition.