Relativity: The Special and General Theory


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(3.9 stars; 410 reviews)

This is an introduction to Einstein’s space-bending, time-stretching theory of Relativity, written by the master himself. Special and General relativity explain the structure of space time and provide a theory of gravitation, respectively. Einstein’s theories shocked the world with their counterintuitive results, including the dissolution of absolute time. In this book he brings a simplified form of his profound understanding of the subject to the layperson. In the words of Einstein: “The present book is intended, as far as possible, to give an exact insight into the theory of Relativity to those readers who, from a general scientific and philosophical point of view, are interested in the theory, but who are not conversant with the mathematical apparatus of theoretical physics.” The book is challenging at times but, when approached patiently, proves itself one of the most lucid explanations of Relativity to be found anywhere. [Due to transcription or optical character recognition errors in creating online texts, and because of less-than-clear fonts in some printed texts, the variables as read in some of the equations here are not as Einstein intended. For example, the numeral ‘one’ has frequently been printed and read as the letter ‘I.’ In addition, some equations do not translate well into the spoken word. If you require completely accurate renditions of Einstein’s mathematical formulas, we suggest that you consult a published text.] — Summary written by Kelly Bescherer [and Laurie Anne Walden]

Chapters

Preface 2:10 Read by featherheadfop
Part I: The Special Theory of Relativity01. Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions02. The System of Co-ordinates03. Space and Time in Classical Mechanics 14:55 Read by featherheadfop
04. The Galileian System of Co-ordinates05. The Principle of Relativity (in the Restricted Sense)06. The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities employed in Classical Mechanics 10:38 Read by Linda Leu
07. The Apparent Incompatability of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity08. On the Idea of Time in Physics09. The Relativity of Simultaneity 20:33 Read by Peter Eastman
10. On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance11. The Lorentz Transformation12. The Behaviour of Measuring-Rods and Clocks in Motion 17:10 Read by David Barnes
13. Theorem of the Addition of Velocities. The Experiment of Fizeau14. The Hueristic Value of the Theory of Relativity15. General Results of the Theory 19:11 Read by Linda Leu
16. Expereince and the Special Theory of Relativity17. Minkowski's Four-dimensial Space 14:22 Read by featherheadfop
Part II: The General Theory of Relativity18. Special and General Principle of Relativity19. The Gravitational Field20. The Equality of Inertial and Gravitational Mass as an Argument for the General Postulate of Relativity 19:38 Read by Laurie Anne Walden
21. In What Respects are the Foundations of Classical Mechanics and of the Special Theory of Relativity Unsatisfactory?22. A Few Inferences from the General Principle of Relativity23. Behaviour of Clocks and Measuring-Rods on a Rotating Body of Reference 20:54 Read by Annie Coleman Rothenberg
24. Euclidean and non-Euclidean Continuum25. Gaussian Co-ordinates26. The Space-Time Continuum of the Speical Theory of Relativity 18:11 Read by Meredith Hughes
27. The Space-Time Continuum of the General Theory of Relativity is Not a Eculidean Continuum28. Exact Formulation of the General Principle of Relativity29. The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation on the Basis of the 21:30 Read by David Barnes
Part III: Considerations on the Universe as a Whole30. Cosmological Difficulties of Netwon's Theory31. The Possibility of a "Finite" and yet "Unbounded" Universe32. The Structure of Space According to the General Theory of Relativity 19:26 Read by Linda Leu
Appendix III 21:22 Read by ML Cohen

Reviews

A fine reading.


(4 stars)

I had no trouble hearing and understanding reader. Thank you for taking the time read.


(5 stars)

Everyone sounds much better when I played it through my car's speakers or some good quality headphones. As to the equations, I find it nearly impossible to visualize the equations from the descriptions. I have a B. S. in Physics. You really need to see the equations and the graphs. I cannot imagine how blind students do this with a screen reader. I think everyone did a great job of reading. There is an occasional drop off at the end of the sentence that I had to turn up the volume to hear, but they were few. It was nice having multiple readers for a book like this. Made it seem much more alive. Linda Leu. Don't pay attention to the criticisms. Having very distinct voices made it much more enjoyable.

would be LOTS better without reader “Linda Leu”


(2 stars)

It’s difficult enough to concentrate on this work without listening a reader with a boring, whispering monotone as is Linda Leu. The chapters read by her definitely need to be redon by a different Reader ,both for continuity and understanding.


(1 star)

It was bad enough to listen to the introduction, but when the reader mispronounced Trafalgar as Trafal-gar, I gave up.

Worth reading ten times


(5 stars)

One of the most magnificent theories of science explained by Einstein himself in terms that those who are not theoretical physicists can comprehend. To delve into this revelation requires patience and determination and a desire to share in the discovery of a concept that to some extent requires one to reshape their mind.

Informative book


(5 stars)

Great read, I wonder why some users have voted down the narrator. it's fast paced and would be hard to understand if you don't have fluency in English, you'll have a hard time listening to such genres.

Good enough


(5 stars)

I'm glad enough that there's a Physics book like this. The voices can be flat but are clear. I intend to listen to this book again. Difficult books are not to be comprehended with only one listening/reading.

Thoroughly enjoy Einstein's written work!!


(4 stars)

The reader was Okay, book was good. I love everything I read about Einstein, especially General Relativity. My thesis was written in part on General relativity.