A brief introduction to gravity through Einstein's general theory of
relativity
Of the four fundamental forces of nature, gravity might be the least
understood and yet the one with which we are most intimate. From the
months each of us spent suspended in the womb anticipating birth to the
moments when we wait for sleep to transport us to other realities, we
are always aware of gravity. In On Gravity, physicist A. Zee combines
profound depth with incisive accessibility to take us on an original and
compelling tour of Einstein's general theory of relativity.
Inspired by Einstein's audacious suggestion that spacetime could ripple,
Zee begins with the stunning discovery of gravity waves. He goes on to
explain how gravity can be understood in comparison to other classical
field theories, presents the idea of curved spacetime and the action
principle, and explores cutting-edge topics, including black holes and
Hawking radiation. Zee travels as far as the theory reaches, leaving us
with tantalizing hints of the utterly unknown, from the intransigence of
quantum gravity to the mysteries of dark matter and energy.
Concise and precise, and infused with Zee's signature warmth and
freshness of style, On Gravity opens a unique pathway to comprehending
relativity and gaining deep insight into gravity, spacetime, and the
workings of the universe.
